Fire Blocking vs. Draft Stopping
Fire blocking and draft stopping are often confused. Both apply in combustible concealed spaces, but fire blocking resists the passage of flame while draft stopping restricts the movement of air.
Sprinkler Monitoring and Fire Alarm Systems
The requirement for a fire alarm system is often overlooked on smaller projects, particularly in sprinklered buildings. In Massachusetts, sprinkler monitoring generally must include occupant notification.
Dead End Corridors and Cross Corridor Doors
Dead-end corridors occur when a corridor extends beyond the designated egress path, often limited to 50 feet in sprinklered buildings. Cross-corridor doors are a common way to address this condition.
Elevator Lobby: Part 2, Means of Egress
When a tenant leases an entire floor, elevator lobby security can conflict with means of egress. Massachusetts allows a magnetically locked lobby door as the sole exit under specific conditions.