Engineering Review Prevents Inadequate Fire Protection Design
Service: Fire suppression system engineering review, design, and installation
Facility Type: New construction flammable liquids warehouse
Service Area: Gulf Coast, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile & Pensacola
This article is for: General contractors, facility owners, engineers, property managers, and organizations responsible for industrial fire protection
A general contractor selected ICFP to provide the fire suppression system for a new flammable liquids warehouse within a large industrial complex. The facility was surrounded by occupied buildings under separate ownership, making proper system design essential for protecting the warehouse and reducing the potential impact on neighboring properties.
Before construction began, ICFP reviewed the contract documents and proposed fire protection design. That review uncovered a serious concern: the specified system did not adequately address the hazards the facility would contain.
Why Was the Original Fire Protection Design Inadequate?
The construction documents called for a water-based dry pipe sprinkler system designed to an Ordinary Hazard Group 2 classification. Based on the planned storage arrangement and the presence of flammable liquids, ICFP determined that this approach did not provide appropriate protection for the actual hazard.
ICFP’s experience with industrial fire suppression, high-expansion foam, aqueous film-forming foam, and other special hazard applications raised immediate concerns about the proposed design.
Installing the system as specified would have been the simplest path forward, but it would not have served the owner well. ICFP paused the process and investigated the issue before construction progressed.
How Did ICFP Confirm the Design Deficiency?
ICFP retained an experienced fire protection engineering firm to perform an independent evaluation. After reviewing the facility, its intended use, and the proposed suppression system, the engineering team agreed that the original design did not adequately protect the identified hazards.
ICFP then worked with the fire protection engineer, Hazard Control Technologies, the general contractor, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction to evaluate alternative suppression strategies. The team reviewed the applicable requirements of NFPA 13, NFPA 30, and relevant FM Global guidance.
The goal was straightforward: develop a practical system that addressed the hazard, earned stakeholder approval, and avoided unnecessary project costs.
What Fire Suppression Solution Was Selected?
After evaluating several options, the project team selected an F-500 Encapsulator Agent system using a 3% concentration.
The system combines a fine water spray with an encapsulating agent designed for challenging flammable liquid fire conditions. This made it suitable for the facility’s three-dimensional storage arrangement, including flammable liquids stored on elevated shelving and rack systems.
The selected approach provided protection tailored to the warehouse’s actual contents and configuration without requiring a traditional foam system or dedicated fire pump.
How Did ICFP Complete the Project?
ICFP managed the fire protection scope from the initial hazard review through final system acceptance. The work included:
Reviewing the hazard and proposed suppression system
Designing the revised fire suppression system
Completing hydraulic calculations, shop drawings, and engineering documentation
Coordinating with the fire protection engineer, HCT, general contractor, and AHJ
Installing the complete system
Performing testing, commissioning, and acceptance support
This coordinated approach kept the design and field installation aligned while giving each project stakeholder an opportunity to review the proposed solution before work moved forward.
What Did the Engineering Review Accomplish?
ICFP’s early review prevented the installation of a system that was not appropriate for the facility’s intended hazard.
The revised solution delivered several important results:
A suppression system designed around the facility’s flammable liquid storage
Approval from the project stakeholders and Authority Having Jurisdiction
Improved protection for the warehouse and surrounding occupied properties
Elimination of a traditional foam system and dedicated fire pump
Project savings of more than $100,000
Most importantly, the owner received a suppression system selected for the conditions inside the facility, rather than one based solely on the original specification.
Why Fire Protection Design Review Matters
Fire protection specifications should be carefully evaluated before materials are purchased or installation begins. Occupancy classifications, storage arrangements, commodity types, building conditions, and water supplies can all affect whether a proposed system is appropriate.
A thoughtful review can identify gaps early, reduce costly changes during construction, and help ensure that the final system addresses the actual hazard.
ICFP provides fire protection consulting, system design, and complete installation services for industrial facilities throughout the Gulf Coast, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile & Pensacola. The team understands how design decisions translate into real-world installation, inspection, and system performance.
A Trusted Fire Protection Partner for Industrial Facilities
ICFP does more than install what appears on a drawing. Our designers and project managers evaluate the proposed system, ask questions when conditions do not align, and work with owners, contractors, engineers, manufacturers, and AHJs to develop practical solutions.
That approach helps Gulf Coast industrial facilities protect their people, property, surrounding communities, and long-term operations.
Request a Fire Protection Design Review
Planning a new industrial facility or concerned that a proposed system may not adequately address your hazards?
Contact ICFP to discuss your fire protection design, installation, or special hazard requirements.
