FiTI'EE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL May 22, 1991

FIRB SAFBTY INSPECTION - STATB CAPITOLDECEMBER 26-27, 1990EXITS- CHAPTBR.100, STATB CODE OP IOWA, AND IOWA ADMINISTRATIVECODE 661-5.50(100 - 661-5.105(100)1A major fire safety problem with this building is the lackof approved exits.All current exits from the buildingrequire that a person pass through the rotunda area.There are four spiral stairs which serve the third floorand exit on the corners of second floor on either side ofthe entrances to the House and Senate.Exiting from thesecond floor rotunda area is down the east grand staircaseonto ·the first flo.or.The areas behind the House andSenate have unenclosed stairs which lead down to the northand south ends of the first floor. Although each end hastwo stairs from the first floor, they share a commonlanding on upper levels and can be considered as only oneexit. There is no way for people on the second and thirdfloors in the area behind the House or Senate to reach theexits in the rotunda.Exiting problems are furthercompounded by the· addition, at some. previous time, ofwood-framed intermediate levels. . Exit paths are poorlymarked and e ergency lighting is not installed throughoutthe building.(Note: · an engineer is currently designinga system to upgrade the emergency generator and to provideemergency lighting; exact status of the project isunknown). Additional enclosed exit stairs are needed forsafe exiting.These should be located near each of thecorners of the building.ELECTRICAL IUse of Extension Cords:It has been Fire Marshal policyto allow up to two approved extension cords per workspace,when the cords were not used to power high-wattagedevices.This apparently does not meet OSHA standards.During a recent OSHA inspection of the Employment ServicesBuilding, we were apprised that OSHA standards apparentlyallow only the use of "Temporary Power Tap -type cordsets.(These may have up to six outlets and must have built-infuse or circuit breaker protection.They may also havesome powe conditioning feature such as spik or surgeprotection for use with computers and other sensitiveequipment). OSHA limits the use of power taps to use withcomputer equipment and temporary use until permanentoutlets can be installed.This inspection was performedin accordance with existing Fire Marshal Policy, whichpermits only heavy-duty UL-listed grounding cordsets.11Throughout. the building are numerous ·"homemade" extensioncords These cords . are made using black rubber-coveredcord and metal boxes with NM cable style cable clamps.Although the components are individually UL-listed, thesecordsets are not UL-listed and are not approved for use.

These cordsprovided. .shouldberemovedand . permanentoutletsDuring the inspection, an electrician was observed makingsome minor repairs.Even with a circuit tracer, he was ·having trouble finding the proper circuit breaker tode-energize the circuit he was working on.All breakerpanels are to be properly labeled, as required by theNational Electrical Code. INDIVIDUAL ROOM AND OFFICE INSPECTION *X Using approved fire-safing materials,repair allpenetrations through the ATTIC FLOOR, such as the one onthe north side of the Senate attic near the copper ventline.(Most· holes found during the December 5, 1989inspection have been repaired).Adjust the west fire door from the LAW LIBRARY ATTIC tothe House attic so that it closes thepenetrations through the fire walls such as the on saround the conduit between the LAW LIBRARY IC and. theHOUSB A'l'TIC and the. one around the fire alarm conduitnorth of the fire doors from the BOUSE ATTIC to the·BASTWING.The carbpn dioxide fire extinguisher in. the GOVERNOR'SOFFICE COPY CBNTBR is due for hydrostatic· testing.Replace the cover on the junction box on the KITCHENceiling.Panel B-3 was so hot you could not comfortablyleave your hand on it. Have the panel checked and repairor rewire as needed to correct the problem.X The fire hose in the LAW LIBRARY had not been replaced(note:this was the only fire hose which hadn't.replaced since the December 5, 1989 inspection). . .'";be4 :·· ,.-The flexible metallic conduit has been pulled-· out:·.af· 'it.s::connector in the ASSISTANT SBRATE MAJORITY LBADBR-. ffice . ,·Replace the cover for electrical panel D-16 in.ROOK 201.Replace the broken cover on the junction boxheater in the FISCAL DIRECTOR CORPBRBRCE ROOM.forthePARBLS C6 and D6 had circui taped on.This. ispermissable only if it can be en ed that this doesnot interfere with the breaku. operatJ.on.To date, wehave received no documentation····that this is acceptable.Electrical PARBLS B-1exposing live parts .and B 3 have missing bus covers

X The cover on the HOUSB FLAG POLB junction had beenreplaced but only the top screw had been installed; thebottom two were missing.Replace the cover on the open electricaleast wall ROOM 305 .1.junction box,Remove all storage from ROOM 305.2 (space under the woodenexit stair from above) until a one-hour fire-rated door isinstalled and the room is completely lined with materialswhich will provide one-hour fire-resistive protection forthe stairs.Repair the heat detector in the HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSSTAFF ROOM; it is hanging by the wires.Unused knockout in ceiling mounted junction box north endof LBGISLATrvB SBRVICBS CORFBRBHCB ROOM are to be covered.Check the wiring i the HOUSE R HANDLING ROOM.Therewere numerous covers missing on electrical boxes.Theporcelain base light fixture was hanging by the wires.in the HOUS·B SPEAXBRabout three feet below theceiling.Unless listed for other locations, the detectorshall be mounted on the ceiling or ·Within four to six·inches from the· ceiling.RelocatethesmokeCORFBRBHCB ROOM; it isdetectorlo atedRepair the SOUTH EXIT DOOR on BAST BRD, FIRST FLOOR, sothat it will open properly.Replace the two broken bus covers onP B-6.Replace the cover for PANEL B-7; the cover was loose andappeared too small to completely cover the panel box.Repair the exit sign at the NORTH BRD, GROUND FLOOR.Seal all penetrations into theapproved fire-resistive materials.ELEVATOR ·SHAFTSwith·Throughout the· SUB-BASBMBHT, there were numerous junctionbox covers missing; replace all missing junction boxcovers.Remove the temporary wiring from PANEL A-1 and replace thecover.Based on the dust on wires, this does not appearto be "work in progress."Cover the openings for circuits 8 and 10 in PANEL .AA-37with approved material.Replace the missing bus covers in PANELS A-3 and AA-26.Relocate PARBL AA-28 to an area which has the workingclearances required by the National Electrical Code.

Remove the temporary wiring near TRANSFORMER 3AB.Replace the missing fire extinguisher;located NORTH, TRANSFORMER 3AB.emptybracketReplace the cover for the elevator switchgear in theELEVATOR EQUIPMENT ROOM, below the Supreme Court area.Fill unused breaker locations with approved materials inthe unlabeled breaker box, EAST of ENTRANCE TO TUNRBL(circuit 1 labeled tunnel lights; label this panel).Remove the unused "homemade" strip outlet-style extensioncord which was formerly used to power some phoneequipment.The extension cord is adjacent to UNLABELEDPANEL NOTED ABOVE.Remove the "office on the second floor landing", NORTHWESTSPIRAL STAIR.The second floor door to the NORTHWEST SPIRAL DOOR doesnot close and latch; has plain glass vision panels.Correct by repair or replacement.Each side of the rotunda-side, SB.NATB GALLERY, has seatingfor over 50. persons . ( 59 ) , only one exit and the doorswings against exit travel and does not have panichardware.Correct by additional exit or occupancylimitation.Panic hardware, second floor door for the SOOTBNBST SPIRALSTAIR,· had been dogged down so the door will not latch(note: when the door is latched there is no release formthe rotunda side) . Correct by repair or replacement.CORFBRBHCB ROOM 22, occupant load should be 49, not theposted 68; only one exit.Occupant load exceeding 50require at least two exits swinging in the direction ofexit travel and panic hardware.Remove the furniture in the T.RIRD PLOOR BALL, behind thenorth house gallery.Remove the desks and boxes on the SBCORD PLOOR portion ofthe exit stairs behind the BOUSB.ROOJI 116 doors swing against exit travel and have plainglass.Correct door 1;:0 swing with direction of exittravel.Exiting from the WBST BRD OP PIRS PLOOR was obstructed byconstruction.Maintain proper exits at all times thebuilding is occupied. ·

ROOM 118 Only one exit door in a room with occupant loadposted 58 exits are provided. Correct by additional exitor.occupany limitation.LEGISLATIVE SERVICES, THIRD FLOOR1Non-listedunapproved cords found in various locations.LAW LIBRARY Non-listed cords foundone powering coffee pot.in variouslocations;LEGISLATURESBNATB1Extension cord usedheater; combustibles stacked on top of heater.SBHATOR MAJORITY LBADBRaSBRATB LBGAL COONCILaandonspaceUnapproved extension cord.Unapproved extension ·cord.SBRATB MINORITY LBADBRIThree unapproved cords.SBRATB ASSIST MAJORITY PLOOR LBADBRI Electrical heaterpowered by power tap-type extension cord.1111ROOK 3241Unapproved cords.ROOK 322aCoffee pot powered by extension cord.RORTBBAST CORRBR STAPF ARBA: BBBIRD SBHATB 1extension cord.-UnapprovedSBRATB CHAMBERS The extension cord powering the wreathwent through the door to the area behind the chamber.ROOM 2111Coffee pot powered.by exteriSion cord.SENATOR WELSH OPPICBaUnapproved extension cord.SBRATB ASSISTANT RORITY LBADBRIcords; one powering coffee pot.HOUSE COMMITTBB CHAiR ROOMaNon-approved extensionUnapproved extension cords.PINAHCB OFFICB1Unapproved extension cords.HOUSB IRDBXIRG1Non-listed cords.X BOUSB MAJORITY LBADBRaExtension cord to refrigerator.ROLBS COHMITTBB LBGAL STAPF1Unapproved extensionelectric heater powered by extension cord.co d;ROOK 1171Electric heater powered by an extension cordand non-listed cords.APPEALS COURT CLERICAL ARBA:aElectricrefrigerators powered by extension cords.heatersand

APPEALS COURT BOOKSBBLVBSain the aisle.SUPREME COURT OPPICB ARBAaRemove the electrical outletsCopier powered by extensioncord.GOVERNOR'S OPPICB . STAPP AREA,extension cords.AUDITOR'S OFFICBaFIRST FLOOR1Non-listedNon-listed extension cords.TREASURER' S OFFI CB 1Cordsinaislefoundinvariouslocations.ROOM 16aUnapproved two-wire cord found.ROOM 151The required clear floor space in front ofelectrical panel B-5 was obstructed by pop can storage.ROOM 14, OFFICE OP MARAGBMBBTICoffee pot powered byextension cord.ROOM 131Non-listed extension cords.GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR1Unapproved two-wire cordfound.SUPREME COURT CLERK'S AREAlCoffee pot poweredunapproved light gauge two-wire extension cord.byCOURTADMINISTRATORIAn extension cord was runningthrough a door to power a humidifier in the hallway.COURT OP APPBALS1A "power tap-type" extension cord wasbeing used to power another extension cord.BXBCUTIVB COUHCILIAn extension cord was being used topower a copier.*The room and office inspections include most, but not all,offices and rooms.This report reflects the common fire safetyviolations in the building, but in all probability not all theproblems in each individual room were found.

vFIRE SAFETY RETROFITTINGIN HISTORIC BUILDINGSvJOINTLY ISSUED BYAdvisory Council on Historic PreservationGeneral Services AdministrationAUGUST1989.v. ·.' · .':,: .;; : : ; \;: · \{t:. ·'": .:·: .')e·ti!IF ·"' '·' I :; .,.I ·. ;. \ o.; . : o 'lla1'.:-, :[{o . '. :1 ·: ·:: . '": . : !:. . .:.t .·· . ,,:';,:;;.:;:;·, . ··

PrefaceThe concern for public safety and the protection of property, within the context of historic preservation, has ledto challenges in the continuing use of historic properties. Older buildings, constructed before modern fire·safety requirements were established, must be made safe for the public.This publication is designed to address concerns about maintaining safety and property integrity, while preserving the distinct historic features of that property. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation encouragesthe incorporation of preservation issues into the comprehensive program planning developed by Federal agencies for managing their properties, and the procedures recommended throughout this text emphasize the necessity of thorough and early planning for successful and efficient retrofitting of fire safety systems in historicbuildings. With any undertaking, however, Federal ag ncies must take into account the effects of that undertaking on historic properties, as required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, asamended (NHPA).Any alterations planned by a Federal agency for a historic structure, such as the addition of fire safety systems,must include compliance with the Section 106 ·review process, which is administered by the Council under itsregulations at 36 CFR Part 800. During this process, Federal agencies must provide the Council an opportunityto comment on any agency activity or undertaking that may affect historic properties, and must take theCouncil's comments into account. The Section 106 review process consists of five steps: identifying and evaluating historic properties within the areas of potential effects, assessing effects on the properties, consulting withappropriate parties to avoid or reduce any adverse effects, Council comment, and proceeding with the undertaking. This publication recommends specific examples or methods for retrofitting fire safety systems Jhat canavoid harm to historic features and discourages other specific methods likely to be incompatible with thosefe tures. Following these recommendations V{ill facilitate Section 106 review or fire safely retrofitting projects.The General Services Administration is author of this publication. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and General Services Administration are jointly publishing these technical notes to reinforce both agencies'concerns for the issues raised in the text discussion. The Council and GSA hope that this publication will beused widely as agencies plan for fire safety retrofitting in historic buildings in such a manner as to comply withboth protective requirements and Section 106.The publication makes clear that the protection of life and property are paramount to the enhancement of thehistoric features of a property. However, through careful consideration of the issues of preservation and firesafety that are presented in this publication, and by incorporation of those issues into agency planning, agenciescan efficiently coordinate policies and programs with those of the National Historic Preservation Act andeffectively fulfill the need for public safety as well.Robert D. BushExecutive DirectorAdvisory Council on Historic PreservationDale LanzoneDirector of Arts and Historic PreservationGeneral Services AdministrationDonald G. BathurstChief of Fire Protection EngineeringGeneral Services Administration3.

FlRESAf'ETY RETROFlTllNG IN I IISTO RIC OUI LDINGSFe:.---. . . .tre!f ''f::Ctj;*!"'::::. .:: -····- ·-·. r.li. :.J. ·uP { , !. ,A& , 1, 'i@'i'*liit!a· :: ll-- i:- .:.-- - ·- · a 1 ?·.: T.:- ·.,. ,.:'. , -. .'. : . ·.'·.'.' ,. .I : · ·.LJ .,. ."'!. tJ. . . .4:A.;- !' :!., .:1 -- a:-ut/.:. ' -·'-··'IFigure 1. Blair House, the Presidential guest quarters, Washington, DC, has undergone a fire safetyretrofit. A sprinkler head is visible below the cornice fine.4. . ' , ,: - ; ··· .l, o. . .'' I ':,. ,A .,. .

Fire Safety Retrofitting in Historic BuildingsStandards for fire safetyretrofittingThe challenges of fire safetyretrofitting in historic buildingstoday are first, to provide for the protection of life; second, to protect theproperty; and third, to ensure that theinstallation of fire safety deviceshas minimal impact on the historic features of the property.Fire safety systems must perform so that building occupantsare ensured of sufficient time forprotected egress during fire orother emergency conditions,property is protected to ensureminimal loss during fire, andcontinuity of mission Is not disrupted due to fire.In protecting the significanthistoric features, two principlesmust interact: the Installation· and operation of fire safety andsuppression devices shouldhave minimal impact on the historic features, and these systems and devices shouldprovide maximum protection forthe historic features.Designing fire safety systemsto ensure the maximum protection of significant historic building features must beaccomplished within the contextof the absolute need to protectlife from fire and its effects.Within this context, protectionand preservation of significantfeatures can be accomplishedby applying the following standards: Creativity to ensure the consideration of all possible alternatives that would balance theneeds to protect life and property with the overall preservationobjectives. Flexibility to apply an.d adaptfire safety codes or risk reduction requirements to achieveboth the safety and historicpreservation objectives. Practicality to resolve conflicts between fire safety and historic preservation objectivescreatively and flexibly.The complexity of retrofitting historic properties for fire safetyvaries with the degree of existing fire safety systems and thehistoric significance of the building. The more significant thehistoric features, and the morefire safety risks there arepresent. the greater the complexity is in achieving thesestandards.Since each project has Itsown unique issues of preservation and fire safety, it Is vital thateach project team utilize adesign process that will successfully Integrate the contemporaryneeds of fire safety Into thebuilding with minimal effect onthe significant historic features.This process needs to be sufficiently specific to guide each individual team member, yetsufficiently flexible to accommodate all projects. This guidewill describe the project team re- ·quired, the process for achiev-ing successful fire safety retrofitting in historic buildings, code issues and fire safety systems,and specific applications withrecommended and not recommended treatments.The project teamThe individuals (project team) involved in the renovation andretrofitting of fire safety systemsIn an historic structure typicallyInclude the building manager,the building occupants, the architects, the historic preservation specialist. the fireprotection engineer, and ihereview authority(les) having judsdiction (Figure 2).Both historic preservationand fire safety Issues generallyrequire specialists to properly research, document. and thenrecommend solutions for agiVen project. Because of the.special requirements for eacharea, It Is necessary that consultation and project coordinationoccur at the earliest possibletime so that Individual projectobjectives can be shared anddeveloped Into mutual objectives. Such consultation andcoordination must occur between the project specialists aswell as required participants,such as the State HistoricPreservation Officer (SHPO)and the Advisory CouncU on Historic Preservation.s

., ::.t.,' ,(·.r r. :!;. ·r., v ---------------------FIRE SArETY REI"ROATilNG IN IIISTORJC DUILDlNGSHISTORIC PROPERTYBUILDING MANAGERII. REVIEW AUTHORiTIES. BUILDING. OCCUPANTSBuilding codesLlfe safety codes· · Historic preservation· · . egulatory requirementsIIDESIGN TEAM ·:· :. · . .· .Historic preservation spe iaiistFire protectionArchitectural teani .Other speciaiistsengineer .Figure 2. Project team organizational chart for fire safety retrofitting.The processof fire safety retrofittingAssessmentor the buildingThe historic preservation as-The process for achieving a successful fire safety retrofitting in· historic buildings consists of anassessment of the building,which includes an historicpreservation assessment and a·fire safety assessment; anvaluation of objectives and'VIection of proposed solutions a review of proposed solutions:and Implementation. Each ofthese step

REPORT OF THE STUDIES COMl\fiTI'EE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL May 22, 1991 The Studies Committee of the Legislative Council met on May 22, 1991, and makes the following recommendations: 1. That the attached proposed guidelines for interim study committees