17-Fire_Protection_and_Safety_Management_Survey,_11.2.16.pdf

FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT

SURVEY OF THE

MID-ATLANTIC SOCIAL SECURITY

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

300 SPRING GARDEN STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA

BUILDING NUMBER: PA8001ZZ

REPORT CONTROL NUMBER: G-03-17-0003

Survey Conducted for: GSA Mid-Atlantic Region

Under Contract: GS-03P-11-CD-D-0036

FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY BUILDING ASSESSMENT SURVEYS – REGION 3

Survey Completed: October 13, 2016

Surveyed by: Hal Cohen, P.E., CSP

Date of Report: November 2, 2016

Prime Consultant: Prepared By:

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

50 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 102 | Scranton, PA 18505 570.342.3700

HCC &Associates, Inc.

PO Box 8085

West Grove, PA 19390

302.369.6901

Fire Protection and Safety Survey

Mid-Atlantic Social Security Administration Building (PA8001ZZ)

300 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA

Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Pre-Survey Preparation

2.2 Opening Conference

2.3 Out-briefing

2.4 Applicable Standards

2.5 Inspection Procedures

3.0 Description of Facility

4.0 Building Safety Analysis

4.1 Systemic Conditions

4.2 Analysis – Fire Safety Systems

4.2.1 Means of Egress

4.2.2 Sprinkler, Standpipe, and Special Suppression Systems

4.2.3 Interior Construction

4.2.4 Fire Extinguishers

4.2.5 Emergency Lighting and Power

4.2.6 Exit Signs

4.2.7 Fire Alarm System

4.2.8 Testing Documentation

4.2.9 Fire Safety Summary

4.3 Analysis – Facility Safety Systems

4.3.1 Walking/Working Surfaces

4.3.2 Electrical Systems

4.3.3 Machine Guarding

4.3.4 Emergency First Aid Equipment

4.3.5 Material Handling and Storage

4.3.6 Noise

4.3.7 Lighting

5.0 Findings

5.1 Findings Requiring Risk Reduction

5.1.1 Fire Protection

5.1.2 Safety

5.2 Codified Findings Requiring Planning

5.2.1 Fire Protection

5.2.2 Safety

APPENDIX A – BUILDING PROFILE

APPENDIX B – FSES ANALYSIS

1.0 Executive Summary

Overview: The Mid-Atlantic Social Security Administration Building at 300 Spring

Garden Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, provides an acceptable working environment that is consistent with GSA policy regarding risks exposing a federal occupancy. The nine-story fully sprinkler protected building has a fire alarm system, multiple means of egress, portable fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting. The building was constructed in 1974. The Social Security Administration occupies the entire building.

No risk reduction findings were identified. Eight codified findings are identified. The remaining deficiencies are considered minor and can be easily abated. The FSES analysis indicates a level of fire safety equivalent to the requirements of NFPA 101 is provided.

Findings: Fifteen findings were recorded during this survey. They are categorized as follows:

Risk Reduction Findings – zero, Codified Findings Requiring Planning – eight, O & M Findings – seven.

2.0 Introduction

The General Services Administration (GSA), Region 3, requested the Greenman-

Pedersen/HCC & Associates (GPI/HCC) team to complete a fire and safety management survey of the subject building.

2.1 Pre-Survey Preparation

The last fire protection and safety management survey was completed on July 5, 2011, by

HCC & Associates. The status of the report findings and the open findings in the IRIS database are provided below.

STATUS OF OPEN FINDINGS

Finding Number Description Current Status

G-03-91-135-2

The warehouse is not separated from the training classrooms by 2-hour fire rated construction.

Closed – revised findings generated

G-03-95-040-1

There are unprotected wall penetrations in the concrete block wall of the ventilation shafts on each floor.

OPEN

G-03-11-0056-1 As stated in previous surveys, some fire dampers are not provided where the ductwork penetrates fire rated floor and wall assemblies.

OPEN

G-03-11-0056-2 Recent testing reportedly indicates that emergency lighting is lacking in several areas.

OPEN (Projected construction FY17)

G-03-11-0056-3 As stated in precious surveys, several sprinkler system deficiencies.

Closed – sprinkler deficiencies corrected

03-11-0056-4 The emergency generator is located in the boiler equipment room.

Closed – arrangement considered acceptable for existing building.

G-03-11-0056-5 As stated in previous finding, exit signs are not visible in several open plan areas throughout the

OPEN (Projected construction FY17) building (i.e., 3 rd and 7 th floors).

G-03-11-0056-6 As stated in previous surveys, several fire alarm system deficiencies exist.

Closed – fire alarm system replaced

O&M Finding 1 The doors to the lower level northeast and northwest stairways do not properly self-latch.

Closed – stairways doors self-latch

O&M Finding 2 As stated in previous surveys, the doors separating the warehouse/loading dock from the corridor system are either not fire rated, have inadequate fusible links locations, or do not self-close as designed.

OPEN

O&M Finding 3 As stated in the previous survey, the floor pressurization system is reportedly not tested during fire alarm testing.

Closed – system removed

O&M Finding 4 Items are stored within 18 inches of sprinkler heads in the storage room adjacent to the loading dock.

Closed – storage arrangement is acceptable

O&M Finding 5 The stated start/stop pressures of the fire pump and jockey pump at the fire pump controller are different than the start/stop pressures indicated on the design drawings.

Closed – start/stop pressures are correct

O&M Finding 6 A cabinet with the proper types and quantities of spare sprinkler heads and a wrench is not provided.

OPEN

O&M Finding 7 As stated in previous surveys, the doors providing access to the shafts do not have self-closing devices.

Closed – self-closing devices provided.

O&M Finding 8 The fire rated door to the penthouse high voltage room has a doorstop.

Closed – footstop removed

O&M Finding 9 Documentation at the panel indicates the last annual test of the

Notifier fire alarm control panel associated with the FM200 fire suppression was completed in

April 2010.

Closed – system removed

O&M Finding 10 The operating stems of outside screw and yoke valves are not lubricated annually.

Closed – OS&Y valves lubricated

O&M Finding 11 As stated in previous surveys, GFCI outlets appear missing near most of the bathroom sinks.

Closed – GFCIs installed

2.2 Opening Conference

Mr. Hal Cohen, PE, CSP, Fire Protection Engineer and Safety Professional arrived at the site on October 12, 2016. An informal opening conference was held with SSA building manager Ms. Lisa Otto. The visit’s purpose and procedures were reviewed. Various maintenance personnel escorted the surveyor during the survey.

2.3 Out-briefing

A formal out-briefing was not conducted. A list of building findings and recommended abatement plans is provided in this report.

2.4 Applicable Standards

The following standards and guidelines were used to evaluate the fire safety conditions at the aforementioned facility:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – National Fire Codes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910 – General Industry Standard

International Building Code (2016)

P-100 Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service – Chapter Seven, “Fire

Protection Engineering”

2.5 Inspection Procedures

The inspection included observing the condition of facilities, inspecting the condition of equipment, evaluating the storage of materials, and reviewing any operations in progress that might affect safety in the government occupancy. Additionally, all available maintenance and testing documentation of the fire protection systems was reviewed.

3.0 Description of Facility

The Mid-Atlantic Social Security Administration Building at 300 Spring Garden Street in

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was built in 1974. The building is a stand-alone complex.

The building consists of nine stories. Eight stories are located above grade level and one story is located below grade. The building nomenclature is lower level, 1 st through 7 th floors, and penthouse. The highest occupied space is located approximately 110 feet high measured from the lowest level of fire department apparatus access. The Social Security

Administration occupies the entire building.

Each floor is rectangular in shape. The building is approximately 240 feet long and approximately 230 feet wide. Each floor is approximately 56,000 square feet in area.

The building is listed as 570,585 gross square feet in area. Each of the 2 nd floors is similarly arranged and essentially includes an open floor plan area with corridors at each building end. The corridor system provides access to an enclosed corner stairway, mechanical, electrical and telephone equipment rooms, bathrooms, an elevator lobby, and a janitor’s closet. The 4 th and 6 th floors each include two enclosed office suites. The 4 floor also includes a snack stand. The 2 nd floor includes a computer equipment room.

The 1 st floor is a mixed use area and includes a cafeteria, an auditorium, a health unit, a mailroom, and office space. The lower level includes a vehicular parking garage, a warehouse, training rooms, and mechanical and electrical equipment rooms.

The means of egress includes four enclosed stairways. Building fire protection features include a combination standpipe and automatic sprinkler system, a fire alarm system with voice evacuation capability, emergency lighting, and portable fire extinguishers. The building exterior consists primarily of metal cladding panels supported by concrete walls.

The floors are constructed of concrete supported by metal decking. All structural elements are constructed of structural steel with spray-applied fireproofing. The roofing system is a modified bitumen system. The building is designed to comply with Type 1B requirements as defined by the IBC, which is equivalent to Type I (222) classification as defined by NFPA 220. The IBC occupancy classification for the upper floors is Use

Group B and the NFPA occupancy classification is business. The cafeteria and auditorium areas on the 1 st floor are classified as Use Group A-2 by the IBC and assembly occupancies by NFPA 101 criteria. The warehouse area and vehicular parking garage areas are classified as Storage Group S-2 by the IBC and storage occupancies by

NFPA 101 criteria.

Exterior Exterior

Office area Warehouse

4.0 Building Safety Analysis

4.1 Systemic Conditions

No systemic deficiencies are identified.

4.2 Analysis – Fire Safety Systems

Fifteen findings were recorded during this survey. The FSES analysis indicates an equivalent level of protection as specified by NFPA 101 is provided.

4.2.1 Means of Egress

The means of egress from the upper floors include four enclosed stairways. The stairways are located at each building corner and discharge directly to the outside. Stairway A is located at the southeast, Stairway B is located at the southwest, Stairway C is located at the northwest, and Stairway D is located at the northeast. Each stairway is accessible via the open floor plan arrangement and the corridor at each building end. The stairways, which extend more than five floors, are provided with signage indicating the story, the terminus of the bottom of the stairway enclosure, and the identification of the stair. The stairway doors are not difficult to open, are readily accessible, self-close and self-latch.

Handrails are located on both sides of each stair and are adequate.

Each stairway has a clear door width of 37 inches and a clear stair width of 58 inches.

The four stairways provide exit capacity for 740 persons (37 inches/0.2 inches per person with the door width having the limiting factor and four stairways are provided). The calculated occupant load of each upper floor is 560 persons, which is based on an occupant load factor of one person for every one hundred square feet of floor area as required for a business occupancy, and each floor is approximately 56,000 square feet in area. The exit capacity (740 persons) exceeds the calculated occupant load (560 persons) and is considered adequate.

Occupants on the 1 floor also have access to exits that discharge directly to the outside at each building corner. The 1 st floor auditorium, which seats approximately 500 persons, includes four sets of front double doors and two exits at the opposite end near the stage area. The lower level, which is smaller than the other levels, has access to four stairways with additional exits at the loading dock area.

The exit access paths are clear and obvious. The maximum travel distance to a stairway does not exceed 200 feet. The longest common path of travel does not exceed 100 feet.

The longest dead-end corridor does not exceed fifty feet. The straight-line distance between the two furthest means of egress is approximately 290 feet. The exits are considered remote because the distance is greater than one-third the diagonal dimension

(330 feet) of the sprinkler protected floor area.

Although not a means of egress, eight passenger elevators and two freight elevators are provided. An additional elevator traverses the lower level and kitchen areas. The passenger elevators have Phase I emergency firefighter recall features and Phase II emergency firefighter operator features. The primary recall floor is the 1 st floor and the alternate recall floor is the 2 nd floor. Emergency telephone calls originating from the elevator cabs during normal business hours are relayed to the on-site security force.

There is one finding in this area:

1. The 5SW stairway door does not properly self-latch. (RAC 4)

4.2.2 Sprinkler, Standpipe, and Special Suppression Systems

The building is fully sprinkler protected. A combination wet standpipe system that includes 6-inch standpipes with 2½-inch fire service outlets is located in each stairway.

A 6-inch municipal water supply lines for the sprinkler system enter the building in the lower level. An electric-driven, horizontally mounted, split-case fire pump and an electric jockey pump support the in-coming water supply. The fire pump is manufactured by Patterson and is rated for 750 gpm at 120 psi. The recorded water pressure on the supply side of the fire pump was 45 psi. The recorded water pressure on the system side of the fire pump discharge check valve was 175 psi. The marking at the fire pump controller indicates the start/stop pressures of the fire pump are 142 psi and 170 psi, respectively. The marking at the jockey pump controller indicates the start-stop pressures of the jockey pump are 165 psi and 180 psi, respectively. The fire pump controller is manufactured by Firetrol. The jockey pump controller is manufactured by Patterson. The automatic transfer switch is located at the fire pump controller.

The loading dock and garage overhang area is protected by a dry pipe sprinkler system that was installed in 2016. The dry pipe sprinkler system includes a Viking 4-inch dry pipe sprinkler valve, a nitrogen purge system, and required appurtenances. The recorded supervisory air pressure above the valve was 48 psi and the recorded water pressure below the valve was 170 psi.

The lower level vehicular parking area is also protected by a dry pipe sprinkler system.

The dry pipe sprinkler system includes a 4-inch Reliable Model DDX dry pipe valve and required appurtenances. The recorded supervisory air pressure above the valve was 25 psi and the recorded water pressure below the valve was 175 psi.

The sprinklers are the fast response types in the renovated areas and the standard response types in areas that have not been renovated. Vane-type flow switches are located at each cross-main. The OS&Y control valves are electrically supervised by the fire alarm system. A fire department connection exists outside the building. Spare sprinkler cabinets with some of the required sprinklers are provided. A wet chemical fire suppression system protects the cooking equipment in the cafeteria.

There are four findings in this area:

1. Items are stored within 18 inches of sprinklers in the training room 6 storage room.

(RAC 4)

2. Spare sprinklers that are similar to the ones originally installed are not provided.

(RAC 5)

3. Items are stored in the aisles that separate the double-row rack storage units in the warehouse. The sprinkler system was designed based on no storage in the aisles.

(RAC 4)

4. Excessive quantities of idle pallets are stored on the loading dock. The sprinkler system is not designed to protect idle pallet storage. (RAC 4)

4.2.3 Interior Construction

The fire separations of concern are the floor/ceiling assemblies and the enclosure of the stairways, elevator shafts, HVAC shafts and other vertical openings, and the protection of hazardous areas. The floor/ceiling assemblies have a 2-hour fire rating. The stairways, elevator shafts, and other vertical shafts are enclosed in 2-hour fire rated construction.

The four ventilation shafts are separated by 2-hour fire rated masonry construction. The warehouse area was designed to be separated from the remaining areas by 2-hour fire rated masonry construction. However, most of the fire door assemblies are inadequate for various reasons (i.e., kept open, fusible link in incorrect location, do not close upon activation of the fire alarm system, etc.) No fuel-fired equipment is located on the normally occupied floors. Major mechanical equipment is located in the sprinkler protected lower level and penthouse level. The interior finish of exit routes is considered to have a flame spread of less than 25 and a smoke development rating less than 450.

There are seven findings in this area:

1. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-91-135-2, the warehouse is not separated from the training classrooms by 2-hour fire rated construction.

2. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-95-040-1, there are unprotected wall penetrations in the concrete block wall of the ventilation shafts on each floor.

3. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-11-0056-1, some fire dampers are not provided where the ductwork penetrates fire rated floor and wall assemblies.

4. Unprotected floor penetrations exist throughout the building. (RAC 4)

5. The penthouse corridor system was designed to be separated from the remaining building areas by fire rated construction. Also, the penthouse fan rooms were designed to be separated from each other by fire rated construction. Several of the doors are inoperative and several unprotected wall penetrations exist. (RAC 4)

6. As stated in previous surveys, some of the doors separating the warehouse/loading dock from the corridor system are either not fire rated or have inadequate fusible links locations.

7. Unprotected wall penetrations exist in the warehouse. (RAC 4)

4.2.4 Fire Extinguishers

Dry chemical, multi-purpose, portable fire extinguishers are provided in the means of egress with most fire extinguishers located near a stairway door. The fire extinguishers are typically the 4-A:80-B:C type. Carbon dioxide portable fire extinguishers are also located near some electrical equipment, copiers, and the computer room. The travel distance to a fire extinguisher is slightly more than 75 feet. The excessive distance between fire extinguishers is not considered a deficiency in this fully sprinkler protected building. Fire extinguishers are unobstructed and clearly visible. The fire extinguishers are inspected on 31-day intervals and maintained annually. The last annual maintenance was completed in March 2016. The six-year maintenance is current on each fire extinguisher.

4.2.5 Emergency Lighting and Power

Two high voltage feeders supply power to the building. Emergency power is provided by a 1,250-kW diesel-driven emergency generator. The generator is located on the lower level in the boiler room. The emergency generator supplies power to the emergency lighting units, exit signs, one elevator in each elevator bank (with transfer capability), and the fire pump. Emergency lighting is provided by dedicated light fixtures that are connected to the emergency power circuits. Emergency lighting is provided throughout most parts of the means of egress. The emergency generator is tested monthly and annually as required. The 2 nd floor computer equipment room also has wall-mounted, battery-operated emergency lighting units.

1. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-11-0056-2, that emergency lighting is lacking in several areas. (NOTE: A project to improve emergency lighting is scheduled to begin in FY17).

4.2.6 Exit Signs

The building exit signs are internally illuminated. There are no decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairs visibility of an exit sign. Exit signs are generally well placed and readily visible in the corridors and throughout several of the open work areas. The emergency generator provides standby power.

1. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-11-0056-5, exit signs are not visible in several open plan areas throughout the building. (NOTE: A project to improve exit signage is scheduled to begin in FY17).

4.2.7 Fire Alarm System

The building is protected by an EST3 fire alarm system with voice evacuation capability.

The fire alarm system was installed in 2016. The main fire alarm control panel is located in the 1 st floor Environment Control Center. The signaling line circuits and notification appliance circuits are wired to comply with Class A requirements. The fire alarm system monitors manual pull stations, spot-type smoke detectors, duct-type smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinkler system waterflow switches and control valves, the fire pump, the wet chemical suppression systems in the cafeteria, and the emergency generator.

Manual pull stations are located near the exits and in the path of egress as required. The spot-type smoke detectors are located in the telephone and electrical equipment rooms, the elevator lobbies, machine rooms and shafts, and the 2 nd floor computer equipment room (including above the ceiling and below the floor). Duct-type smoke detectors are located on the supply and return sides of the HVAC system as required. Heat detectors are located near sprinklers in the elevator machine rooms and shaft to activate the shunt trip of elevator power. Activation of the fire alarm system is designed to recall the elevators.

The notification appliances in the building are speakers and strobes located throughout the building. The strobes comply with ADA criteria for equal facilitation. A general evacuation system is used. Batteries and the emergency generator provide emergency power for the fire alarm system. The fire alarm system is connected to the MegaCenter.

A project to provide an emergency communication system for occupants to use in the stairways is ongoing.

4.2.8 Testing Documentation

The fire alarm system was installed within the last twelve months and is under warranty.

The sprinkler system is inspected, tested, and maintained by Wayman Fire Protection.

The sprinkler system is inspected quarterly. The last flow test of the dry pipe sprinkler system was completed in March 2016. The last annual fire pump test was completed in

March 2016.

There are two findings in this area:

1. The volts and amps are not recorded during the annual fire pump test. (RAC 4)

2. The fast response sprinklers are not tested after twenty years of installation and every ten years thereafter. (RAC 4)

4.2.9 Fire Safety Summary

There were no conditions observed that could lead to a higher risk of fire occurrence.

GSA considers the building acceptable for continued occupancy.

4.3 Analysis – Facility Safety Systems

No new facility safety findings were recorded during this survey.

4.3.1 Walking/Working Surfaces

Walking and working surfaces consist of carpeting in most corridors and office areas, and vinyl tile in kitchenettes and break rooms. All surfaces observed were in good condition with no obvious safety defects noted.

4.3.2 Electrical Systems

The building is provided with a standard three-wire grounded electrical system. Electrical power is provided by dual power feeds from two individual substations with automatic tiebreaker. Overcurrent protection is provided. All electrical panelboards appeared properly sized and grounded.

4.3.3 Machine Guarding

Government employees do not typically use machinery. The lessor maintains the all machine requiring guarding.

4.3.4 Emergency First Aid Equipment

Properly maintained AEDs are located in the building. First aid kits are maintained by an on-site health professional.

4.3.5 Material Handling and Storage

Tenant storage throughout much of the building is incidental to a business occupancy and consists of paper and office supplies in cabinets and on shelves. Special material handling equipment (i.e., manlifts and forklifts, etc.) is used at the loading dock and warehouse. Employees are reportedly trained in safety and forklift use.

4.3.6 Noise

There were no federally occupied areas with excessive noise levels above the action level of 85 dBA established by OSHA.

4.3.7 Lighting

Lighting criteria were obtained from 41 CFR Chapter 102 parts 1 through 220. The required light levels are:

50-foot candles for work surfaces (taken to mean areas where reading is required)

30-foot candles for work areas (taken to mean areas not requiring reading)

10-foot candles for non-work areas (taken to mean aisles, corridors, etc.)

Lighting in the common areas consisted of fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures.

Lighting levels appeared adequate.

5.0 Findings

Each finding is provided with risk assessment code (RAC). The codes are identified as

RAC 1 – Imminent Danger – Action should be taken immediately to correct life threatening situation or significant property damage

RAC 2 – Serious – Significant risk of serious injury or property damage and immediate action should be taken

RAC 3 – Moderate – Injury or property damage over time will occur unless corrected

RAC 4 – Minor – Injury or property damage is possible; low exposure or other control measures in place allow time to address issue

RAC 5 – Minor code requirement not followed

5.1 Findings Requiring Risk Reduction

RAC 1, RAC 2, or RAC 3 findings generally require directed risk reduction efforts.

Other issues with a lower RAC level may also be included in this section with justification.

5.1.1 Fire Protection

No findings requiring risk reduction were identified.

5.1.2 Safety

No findings requiring risk reduction were identified.

5.2 Codified Findings Requiring Planning

5.2.1 Fire Protection

Eight codified fire protection findings were identified.

1. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-95-040-1, there are unprotected wall penetrations in the concrete block wall of the ventilation shafts on each floor.

2. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-11-0056-1, some fire dampers are not provided where the ductwork penetrates fire rated floor and wall assemblies.

3. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-11-0056-2, that emergency lighting is lacking in several areas. (NOTE: A project to improve emergency lighting is scheduled to begin in FY17).

4. As stated in IRIS finding G-03-11-0056-5, exit signs are not visible in several open plan areas throughout the building. (NOTE: A project to improve exit signage is scheduled to begin in FY17).

FINDING: 5

Unprotected floor penetrations exist throughout the building.

RISK LEVEL: Minor

REFERENCE: NFPA 101 (2015),

sections 8.3.3.1 and 8.3.5.1

RISK: A fire might spread between areas.

RECOMMENDATION:

The floor penetrations should be properly firestopped.

CATEGORY: Fire rated construction

RESPONSIBILITY: Building Manager

PROBABILITY: Possible

SCOPE: Local

RAC CODE: 4

COST: $50,000

DATE: October 13, 2016

FINDING: 6

The penthouse corridor system was designed to be separated from the remaining building areas by fire rated construction. Also, the penthouse fan rooms were designed to be separated from each other by fire rated construction.

Several of the doors are inoperative and several unprotected wall penetrations exist.

REFERENCE: NFPA 101 (2015),

sections 8.3.3.1 and 8.3.5.1

RISK: A fire might spread between areas.

RECOMMENDATION:

The doors should be replaced and/or repaired. The penetrations should be properly firestopped.

CATEGORY: Fire rated construction

RESPONSIBILITY: Building Manager

PROBABILITY: Possible

SCOPE: Local

RAC CODE: 4

FINDING: 7

As stated in previous surveys, some of the doors separating the warehouse/loading dock from the corridor system are either not fire rated or have inadequate fusible links locations.

REFERENCE: NFPA 101 (2015), section

8.3.3.1

RISK: A fire might spread between areas.

RECOMMENDATION:

All of the doors separating the warehouse from the corridor should be 1½-hour fire rated door assemblies.

CATEGORY: Fire rated construction

RESPONSIBILITY: Building Manager

PROBABILITY: Possible

SCOPE: Local

RAC CODE: 4

FINDING: 8

Unprotected wall penetrations exist in the warehouse.

NO PICTURE

REFERENCE: NFPA 101 (2015), section

8.3.5

RISK: A fire might spread between areas.

RECOMMENDATION:

The wall penetrations should be properly firestopped.

CATEGORY: Fire rated construction

RESPONSIBILITY: Building Manager

PROBABILITY: Possible

SCOPE: Local

RAC CODE: 4

5.2.2 Safety

No safety codified findings requiring planning were identified.

5.3 Operation and Maintenance Findings

Operation and Maintenance conditions/issues identified during the survey are included on the form as directed by GSA.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

SURVEY FINDINGS REPORT

TO: Mr. Richard Finocchio (Richard.Finocchio@ssa.gov)

DATE: November 9, 2016

FROM: HCC & Associates, Inc.

BUILDING NAME & NUMBER: Mid-Atlantic Social Security Administration Building

(PA8001ZZ)

ADDRESS: 300 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA

The following list of items has been identified for correction as a result of a Safety and

Fire Protection Management Survey conducted on October 12, 2016. Please indicate the corrective action taken and provide your name in the space provided. Please complete the form within sixty calendar days and return to GSA fire protection engineer Mr. Dave

Kriebel.

FINDING 1

The 5SW stairway door does not properly self-latch. (RAC 4) (NFPA 101 (2015), section 8.3.3.1)

RECOMMENDATION: The door latch should be properly repaired.

PROPOSED CORRECTIVE ACTION

DATE: BY:

FINDING: 2

Items are stored within 18 inches of sprinklers in the training room 6 storage room. (RAC 4) (NFPA 13 (2016), section

8.5.5.2.1)

Items should not be stored within 18 inches of sprinklers.

FINDING: 3

Spare sprinklers that are similar to the ones originally installed are not provided.

(RAC 5) (NFPA 13 (2016),section 6.2.9)

Spare sprinklers that are similar to the ones originally installed should be

FINDING: 4

Items are stored in the aisles that separate the double-row rack storage units in the warehouse. The sprinkler system was designed based on no storage in the aisles. (RAC 4) (NFPA 13 (2016), section 16.2)

RECOMMENDATION: Items should not be stored in the warehouse aisles that separate the rack storage units.

FINDING: 5

Excessive quantities of idle pallets are stored on the loading dock. The sprinkler system is not designed to protect idle pallet storage. (RAC 4) (NFPA 13

(2016), section 12.12.1.2)

The idle wood pallets should be stored not more than six feet high and each of no more than four stacks shall be separated from other pallet piles by at least eight feet of clear space.

FINDING: 6

The volts and amps are not recorded during the annual fire pump test. (RAC 4) (NFPA 25

(2014), section 8.3.3.2)

The volts and amps should be recorded during the annual fire pump test.

PROPOSED CORRECTIVE

ACTION

FINDING: 7

The fast response sprinklers are not tested after twenty years of installation and every ten years thereafter. (RAC 4) (NFPA 25

(2014), section 5.3.1.1.3)

The fast response sprinklers older than twenty years should be replaced or representative samples should be tested.

Also, although not required until 2024, a representative sample of any originally installed sprinklers should be tested.

APPENDIX A – BUILDING PROFILE

1.0 CONSTRUCTION AND SPACE LAYOUT

A. Number of stories of building, above and below grade (the highest floor of

Government occupancy is considered the height of the building):

The building consists of nine stories. Eight stories are located above grade and one level is located below grade. The building nomenclature is lower level, 1 floors, and penthouse. The highest occupied space is located approximately 110 feet high measured from the lowest level of fire department apparatus access.

B. Specific floors the Federal Government occupies. Include the specific

Government agency names:

The Social Security Administration occupies the entire building.

C. Types of occupancies on each floor the Federal Government occupy: Business on the upper floors. The 1 st floor mixed use area includes a cafeteria, an auditorium, a health unit, a mailroom, and office space. The lower level includes a vehicular parking garage, a warehouse, training rooms, and mechanical spaces.

D. Types of occupancies on each floor the Federal Government do not occupy: Not applicable

E. Approximate gross square footage per floor: Each floor is approximately 56,000 square feet in area.

F. Number of Federal occupants in the building: Approximately 1,500 persons

G. Description of the building construction: All structural elements are constructed of structural steel with spray-applied fireproofing. The roofing system includes a concrete deck with built-up materials. The building is designed to comply with

Type 1B requirements as defined by the IBC, which is equivalent to Type I (222) classification as defined by NFPA 220.

1. Type of floor construction: Reinforced concrete

2. Type of roof construction: The roofing system includes a metal deck with built-up materials.

3. Type of column construction: Structural steel with spray-applied fireproofing.

2.0 FIRE PROTECTION

A. Description and location of hazardous/significant fuel load areas: The boiler equipment room is located in the lower level. The warehouse, which is not properly separated from the remaining floor area because of deficient fire rated door assemblies, is located on the 1 floor.

B. Description and location of vertical openings: The floor/ceiling assemblies have a

2-hour fire rating. The stairways, elevator shafts, and other vertical shafts are enclosed in 2-hour fire rated construction. The vertical mail conveyor system is also enclosed in 2-hour fire rated construction. The four ventilation shafts are separated by 2-hour fire rated masonry construction with some unprotected penetrations.

C. Description and location of automatic sprinkler systems: The building is fully sprinkler protected.

1. Waterflow and tamper alarm: OS&Y-type control valves and flow switches are located at each cross-main. The control valves at each cross-main are electrically supervised by the fire alarm system.

2. Fire pump – size, type of power, rating: Electric-driven, horizontally mounted, split-case fire pump manufactured by Patterson and is rated at 750 gpm at 120 psi.

3. Water supply: 6-inch municipal water supply

D. Description and location of standpipes: 6-inch standpipes are located in each stairway

E. Description and location of fire extinguishers: Dry chemical, multi-purpose, portable fire extinguishers are provided in the means of egress with most fire extinguishers located near a stairway door. The fire extinguishers are typically the 4-A:80-B:C type. Carbon dioxide portable fire extinguishers are also located near some copiers, break areas, and the computer room.

F. Description and location of fire alarm system: The building is protected by an

EST-3 fire alarm system with voice evacuation capability

1. Connection to central station or FD: Connected to MegaCenter

2. Audibility problems:

3. Emergency telephone system: Emergency communication in construction and not part of fire alarm system

4. Secondary power source: Batteries and emergency generator

5. Style of alarm initiating and indicating circuits: Class A

G. Description and location of smoke detection system: The spot-type smoke detectors are located in the telephone and electrical equipment rooms, the elevator lobbies, machine rooms and shafts, and the 2 nd floor computer equipment room

(including above the ceiling and below the floor).

H. Description and location of interior finish classifications: Most walls are painted.

1. Flame spread: 25 or less

2. Smoke development: 0- 450

I. Description of the building's engineered smoke control system:

1. Active: None

2. Passive: None

J. Description and location of the exit access system: Occupants typically access the stairways by traversing the open plan area and building corridor system.

(1) Travel distances: Less than 200 feet

(2) Dead ends: Do not exceed 50 feet except

(3) Common paths of travel: Do not exceed 100 feet

K. Description and location of the exit system:

1. Number of exits: Four enclosed stairways from upper floors

2. Where do the exits discharge: All discharge directly to the outside.

3. Exit separation: The straight-line distance between the two furthest means of egress is approximately 290 feet. The stairways on each floor are considered remote because the distance is greater than one-third the diagonal dimension

(approximately 330 feet) of the sprinkler protected floor area.

4. Exit enclosure: Stairways enclosed in 2-hour fire rated construction

5. Exit discharge protection: None required

6. Handrails: Adequate for the stair

7. Exit dimensions – width, tread, riser – 58”, 11.0”, 7”

8. Exit time calculations: Less than five minutes

9. Common path of travel: Does not exceed 100 feet

10. Indicate if exit capacity for each stairwell meets or exceeds the calculated exiting requirements for each floor of the building: Exit capacity exceeds occupant load.

L. Description of the quality of separation between office spaces and corridors: The building is sprinkler protected and fire separation is not required.

M. Description of the building's Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP):

1. Date of most current OEP: June 2016

2. Number of fire or training drills: At least one per year

3. Are the persons designated in the OEP current?: Yes

4. Have persons designated in the OEP been trained?: Yes

5. Describe the procedures to evacuate handicapped individuals: Floor monitors

6. Describe the procedures to evacuate occupants after hours: No special requirements

N. Description and location of other fire suppression systems in the building:

Cooking equipment in cafeteria protected by a wet chemical fire suppression system.

O. Description and location of heat detectors and other types of fire detectors: Heat detectors are located near sprinklers in the elevator machine rooms and shaft to activate the shunt trip of elevator power.

P. Description and location of the emergency lighting system: Emergency lighting is provided by dedicated light fixtures that are connected to the emergency power circuits. Emergency lighting is provided throughout most of the means of egress.

Some areas reportedly lack adequate emergency lighting. The 2 nd floor computer equipment room also has battery-operated emergency lighting units.

Secondary power source: Emergency generator

Q. Description and location of exit signs: Throughout most of the means of egress with some open plan areas lacking adequate exit signage

Secondary source of power: Emergency generator

Visibility: Signs were illuminated and visible

R. Description and location of the elevator system:

1. Number of elevators: Eight passenger elevators and two freight elevators are

2. Elevator capture (manual): Yes

3. Automatic recall: Passenger elevators only

4. Certificate date: Inspections are current for each elevator

5. Telephone with cab: Yes

S. Description of the hazard of exposure buildings: None

T. Local fire department pre-fire planning:

1. Is the fire department allowed regular access to develop and evaluate pre-fire plans?: Yes

2. Approximate date of last fire department visit for the purpose of pre-fire planning: Unknown

U. Description of the building's HVAC system:

1. Presence of fire dampers: No

2. Presence of duct smoke detectors: Yes

3. Fan shutdown features: Yes

4. Smoke control features: None

V. Maintenance of fire protection equipment. Report the general condition of the equipment and whether maintenance records and frequency conform to appropriate National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes. In addition, evaluate the preventive maintenance program based on the operational test results:

The fire alarm system was installed within the last twelve months and is under warranty. The sprinkler system is inspected, tested, and maintained by Wayman

Fire Protection. The sprinkler system is inspected quarterly. The last flow test of the dry pipe sprinkler system was completed in March 2016. The last annual fire pump test was completed in March 2016.

3.0 FACILITY SAFETY AND HEALTH

A. HVAC Description: Air handling units are provided for each floor. Perimeter air handling units are provided for each floor. Heating is provided by hot water steam converters and cooling is provided by chilled water.

1. Source of Heated Air: Boilers located in the lower level

2. Source of Cooled Air: Chillers and cooling tower

3. Humidification System: None

4. Air Intakes:

a. Location: Roof and penthouse levels

b. Size: Various

c. Percent Fresh Air: Minimum 15 percent

5. Ventilation System/Adequacy of air movement: Good at time of survey

6. Local exhaust systems: Bathrooms

7. Areas of IAQ Complaints: None

8. Approved Smoking Areas: None

a. Location(s): N/A

b. Describe air controls for smoking areas: N/A

9. Activities generating contaminants: None

10. Water Contamination of or by the HVAC System:

a. Drip Pans: None

b. Water Leaks: None

B. Battery charging: None

1. Adequacy of ventilation:

2. Eye wash protection:

C. Laboratories and other special occupancies: None

D. Noise Energy Sources in Excess of 85 dBA: None

E. Motor pool service areas: None

F. X-ray equipment and other radiation producing or storage areas: Security checkpoint at lobby

G. Indoor target ranges: None

H. Warehouses (storing hazardous materials): Warehouse separated from remaining building areas except at door locations.

I. Photo processing or graphic arts facilities: None

J. Incinerators: None

K. Printing plants: None

L. Spray painting operations: None

M. Child Development Center: None

APPENDIX B – FSES ANALYSIS

The Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) Analysis presented in this Appendix follows the approach outlined in NFPA 101A (2016), Guide on Alternate Approaches to Life

Safety. NFPA 101A stipulates that the FSES must take into consideration any deficiencies in systems.

The evaluation can be based on the entire building. However, portions of the building may also be evaluated as zones. A zone must be one or more complete fire or smoke zones and must meet other criteria as presented in the methodology. For GSA purposes, a single zone is used to evaluate all of the Federal occupancy in this building. The highest government occupied floor is considered the height of the building. The Safety

Parameters, justification for their selection, and their values as defined in Worksheet

8.6.2. are as follows:

1. Construction - Safety Parameter value = 2

Type I (222) and the highest occupied floor is the 7 floor

2. Segregation of hazards - Safety Parameter value = 0

None

3. Vertical openings - Safety Parameter value = 1

Enclosed in 2-hour fire rated construction

4. Sprinklers - Safety Parameter value = 10

The building is provided with standard response sprinklers in most locations

5. Fire alarm system - Safety Parameter value = 4

A fire alarm system with voice evacuation capability and connected to central station

6. Smoke detection - Safety Parameter value = 0

Smoke detectors provided in select areas only.

7. Interior finish - Safety Parameter value = 2

Class A

8. Smoke control - Safety Parameter value = 0

Smoke control system is not provided

9. Exit access - Safety Parameter value = 0

Travel distance between 100 – 200 feet and dead-end corridors are less than 50 feet

10. Egress Route - Safety Parameter value = 0

No major deficiencies

11. Corridor/room separation - Safety Parameter value = 3

The building is sprinkler protected.

12. Occupant emergency program - Safety Parameter value = 1

Fire drills completed each year and formal occupant evacuation plan provided.

Worksheet 8.6.2 Safety Parameters

Safety

Parameters

Parameter Values

1. Construction Noncombustible Combustible

NFPA 220 Bldg.

Constr. Types

Type I

(222)

Type II

(111)

Type II

(000)

Type III

(211)(200)

Type IV

(2HH)

Type V

(111)(000)

1 story 0 0 0 0 -1 0 0 -1

2 stories 2 2 -4 0 -2 0 0 -4

3 stories 2 2 -6 0 -6 0 0 -12

4-5 stories but ≤ 75 ft

2 2 -10 0 -12 0 -3 -12

>5 stories but ≤ 75 ft

2 2 NV 0 NV 0 -6 NV

>75 ft but < 150 ft 2 -1 NV 0 NV 0 NV NV

≥ 150 ft. 2 NV NV 0 NV 0 NV NV

2. Segregation of

Hazards

Exposed Exit System Segregation from Exit

Routes

None or No

Deficiencies Double Def. Single Def. Double Def. Single Def.

-7 -4 -4 0 0

3. Vertical

Openings a

Open (or incomplete enclosure) Enclosed Connect

≥5 floors

4 floors 3 floors 2 floors <30 minutes

30 min to 1 hr

> 1 hr g

-10 -7 -4 -2 -1 0 1

4. Sprinklers None Corridors

Only

All but corridors and lobbies

Total Building

Standard Fast Resp Standard Fast Resp

0 0 4 6 10 12

5. Fire Alarm None w/o fire dept. connection w/fire dept. connection w/o voice comm.

w/ voice comm w/o voice comm.

w/ voice comm

0 (-2) k

1 (0) k (-1) p 2 (0) p 1 4 (2) p

6. Smoke

Detection

None Corridor Rooms Total Bldg.

(zone)

0 1 2 4

7. Interior Finish Flame-Spread Ratings b

Exit Routes >75 to ≤ 200 >25 to ≤ 75 ≤ 25

Rooms/Suites >75 to ≤

≤ 75 >75 to ≤

≤ 75 >25 to

<200

≤25

-3 -1 0 1 1 2

8. Smoke

Control

None Passive Active

0 3

4 (3) j

9. Exit Access Max Dead Ends No Dead End >50 ft and travel is

>75 ft to

≤100 ft

>50 ft (20

ft) h to ≤75 ft

>200 ft c to ≤400 ft

>100 ft to

200 ft c

>50 ft to100 ft

≤50 ft

-2 d

-1 -1 0 1 3

10. Egress

Route

Single

Multiple Routes

Deficient Not

Deficient

Smokeproof

Enclosure

Direct Exits

-6 (0) i

-2 0 3 5

11. Corridor/Room

Separation Separation Exists and Level of Protection is No separation, or single tenant, or

Par 4 ≥ 10

Incomplete Smoke Resistive e

≥½ hr e

≥1 hr e w/o door closer w/ door closer w/o door closer w/ door closer w/ door closer

-6 to 0 l

0 1 (2) f

1 2 (3) f 3 (4) f

12. Occupant

Emergency

Program

Number of fire Drills Conducted Per Year

0 1 to 2 >2

-2 (-3) m

0 (1) n

1 (2) n

NV Where these conditions exist, the FSES does not evaluate overall safety. Other analysis techniques shall be permitted to be applied in accordance with the equivalency concept of

Section 1.4 of NFPA 101.

h Use 50 ft for existing buildings and 20 ft for new construction.

a Use 0 if building is one level i Use ( ) for single exit in accordance with 38.2.4.2 and 39.2.4.2 of NFPA 101 b In any sprinkler-protected spaces, consider flame-spread rating to be 25 or 75 if the interior finis material flame spread does not exceed 75 or

200, respectively j Use (3) if Parameter 4 value < 10.

c Increase 200 to 300 if Parameter 4 is 10 or more k Use ( ) for building that has:

(a) ≥2 stories above level or exit discharge, or

(b) Occupant load ≥50 (≥100 in existing buildings) above or below the level of exit discharge, or

(c) Total occupant load ≥300 (≥1,000 in existing buildings) d Use 0 if Parameter 11 is -6 l See 8.5.11.1.1 for guidance.

e Rate separation as ½-hr (or use actual separation, if greater) if Parameter 4 is 10 or more. Rate separation as “smoke resistive” if Parameter 1 is based on construction Type II(000), III(200), or

V(000) and Parameter 4 value < 10.

m Use ( ) in buildings over 150 ft in height with no formal occupant emergency organization program.

f Use ( ) if separation between rooms meets criteria.

n Use ( ) in any building, regardless of height, with a formal occupant emergency organization program.

g Use only if all vertical openings have more than

1-hr enclosure and meet the requirements of

7.1.3 and 38.3.1 or 39.3.1 (NFPA 101 p Use ( ) for new high-rise buildings

Worksheet 8.6.3 Individual Safety Evaluation

SAFETY

PARAMETERS

FIRE CONTROL

(S1)

EGRESS

PROVIDED (S2)

GENERAL FIRE

SAFETY

PROVIDED (S3)

1. Construction 2 2

2. Segregation of

Hazards

0 0 0

3. Vertical Openings 1/2 = 0.5 1 1

4. Sprinklers 10 10/2 = 5 10

5. Fire Alarm 4/2 = 2.0 4 4

6. Smoke Detection 0/2=0 0 0

7. Interior Finish 2/2 = 1 2

8. Smoke Control 0/2= 0 0

9. Exit Access 0 0

10. Exit Systems 0 0

11. Corridor/Room

Separation

3/2=1.5 3/2=1.5 3

12. Occupant

Emergency Program

1 1

TOTAL S1= 17.0 S2= 12.5 S3= 23.0

Worksheet 8.6.4 Mandatory Requirements

Building Height Control Requirement

(Sa)

Egress Requirement

(Sb)

General Fire Safety

(Sc)

New Existing New Existing New Existing

1 story 0.5 -1.0 1.5 0.0 2.0 -1.0

2 stories -2.5 -4.0 1.5 0.0 -1.0 -4.0 3 stories 1.5 0.0 1.5 0.0 3.0 0.0 >3 stories and≤ 75 ft 4.0 2.0 2.5 0.0 6.0 2.0 <75 ft but <150 ft 9.5 7.5 7.5 5.0 10.0 6.0 ≥ 150 ft 12.5 10.5 7.5 5.0 13.0 9.0

Worksheet 8.6.5 Equivalency Evaluation

Yes No

Control Provided (S1) – Required Control (Sa)

≥ 0 S1 – Sa = 17.0 – 7.5 = 9.5 X

Egress Provided (S2) – Required Egress (Sb) ≥

S2 – Sb = 12.5 - 5.0 = 7.5 X

General Fire Safety (S3) – Required General

Fire Safety (Sc) ≥ 0 S3 – Sc = 23.0 – 6.0 = 17.0 X

Worksheet 8.6.6 Facility Fire Safety Requirements Worksheet

Considerations Met Not

Met

Not

Applicable

A Building utilities conform to the requirements of Section

9.1 X

B The air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems conform to Section 9.2, except for enclosure of vertical openings, which have been considered in Safety

Parameter 3 of Worksheet 8.6.2.

X

C Elevator installations are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.4.

X

D Rubbish chutes, incinerators, and laundry chutes are installed in accordance with Section 9.5.

X

E Portable fire extinguishers are installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of 38.3.5/39.3.5 and

9.7.4.1.

X

F Standpipes are provided in all new high-rise buildings as required by 38.4.2.

X

Worksheet 8.6.7 Conclusions

All of the checks in Worksheet 8.6.5 are in the “Yes” Column. The level of safety is at least equivalent to that prescribed by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, business occupancies.

The equivalency covered by this worksheet includes the majority of considerations covered by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. There are some considerations that are not evaluated by this method. These must be considered separately. These additional considerations are covered in Worksheet 8.6.6, Facility Fire Safety Requirements

Worksheet.

FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT

SURVEY OF THE

MID-ATLANTIC SOCIAL SECURITY

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

300 SPRING GARDEN STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PA

BUILDING NUMBER: PA8001ZZ

REPORT CONTROL NUMBER: G-03-11-0056

July 5, 2011

Survey Conducted for: GSA Mid-Atlantic Region

Under Contract: GS-10F-0334P Order Number: GS-P-03-09-CD-0032

Date of Report: August 18, 2011

FINAL…