Ms. Endzweig,
        The archives where I work is located within the framework of the
     International Fire Service Training Association, an organization which
     writes manuals and other training materials for the fire service and
     other public safety organizations.  Among the many codes and
     regulations that we house in our library is a set from the National
     Fire Protection Association called the National Fire Code.  These
     codes are used by states throughout the U.S. as a standard to build
     their own laws and regulations on; in addition the Federal Emergency
     Management Association (FEMA) uses these codes as their guidelines.
     Anyway, within the NFPA codes their are at least two codes pertaining
     to museums and archives.  These are NFPA 911 Recommended Practice for
     the Protection of Museums and Museum Collections and NFPA 232AM Manual
     for Fire Protection for Archives and Records Centers.  These codes
     were written in consultation with people from the Smithsonian
     Institution, Colonial Williamsburg, the National Archives and Records
     Administration, etc.  They should be helpful.
        In addition to these codes, here at Oklahoma State University we
     have a Fire Protection and Safety Technology program.  One of the
     professors in this program, Mr. Pat Brock, has given a lecture to the
     Oklahoma Conservation Congress on installing sprinkler systems in
     historic houses and museums. Mr. Brock consults museums on installing
     sprinkler systems.  You can contact him for more information at:
                        [log in to unmask]
                        or
                        (405) 744-5721
     I hope this can help you.
        Joseph M. Reed
        Fire Protection Publications Archives
        Oklahoma State University


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Fire suppression - to sprinkle or not to sprinkle?
Author:  Pam Endzweig <[log in to unmask]> at IMA
Date:    5/20/98 3:28 PM


In considering an expansion for our 10 year-old, single-story, 12,000
square-foot facility, the question of fire suppression has been raised.  The
original building was designed without a sprinkler system (with fire-rated
walls, though I have not yet been able to ascertain the specific ratings).
The local fire station is only a block away, and the feeling was that the
likelihood of accidental discharge outweighed the risk of fire damage.

According to the NPS Museum Handbook, "there have been many museum fires and
very few accidental discharges."  Now we are considering whether it would be
wise to install a sprinkler system if and when we add on.  A dry pipe/double
activated system with a built-in delay feature allowing the system to be
shut down by building occupants in case of an alarm has been recommended.  I
should mention that we are located on a university campus and tied into
campus security.

I would appreciate any feedback, recommendations, experiences and/or horror
stories.  Thanks for your help!  -- Pam

  Pam Endzweig  ([log in to unmask])
  Collections Manager & Staff Archaeologist
  UO Museum of Natural History
  1224 University of Oregon
  Eugene, Oregon 97403-1224; USA
  Ph 541-346-5120/Fx 541-346-5122