Pioneer Water Tanks Comply with NFPA 22 Fire Protection Standard
The NFPA 22 Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection sets the minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of water tanks and their accessories.
Chapter four of the NFPA 22 Standards for Private Fire Protection covers the general requirements while the other chapters go into depth by the type of water tank.
General Requirements
1. Capacity and Elevation (4.1):
The size and elevation of the water tank are determined by the individual property conditions, after due consideration of all of the factors involved.
2. Water Sources (4.2):
The water source for filling the tank needs to be adequate and dependable, with allowance for its reliability in the future. If the water supply from a public service main isn’t adequate in quality, quantity or pressure (measured in fire flow for fire protection)- an alternative water source needs to be provided (like an extra water storage tank on the property).
One example of the San Diego County Fire Authority Minimum Fire Flow Requirements for Fire Protection
3. Location of Tanks (4.3):
The tanks need to be located so that the tank, as well as the structure, are protected from fire exposure in accordance with NFPA 22 standard chapter 4.3.1.1 through 4.3.1.5.
4. Tank Materials (4.4):
Water tank materials are limited to steel, wood, concrete, coated fabrics, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks.
5. Workmanship (4.5):
Tank manufacturers are expected to comply with these requirements set forth as well as providing structures that are proven reliable under all specified conditions. Manufacturers will replace all defective parts due to faulty materials or workmanship as well as provide careful inspection during fabrication and install.
6. Plans (4.6):
Contractors will provide stress sheets, plans required, the authority having jurisdiction for approval or for obtaining building permits and licenses. The jurisdiction for approval of layouts will be given complete information covered in NFPA 22 standard chapter 4.6.2.2.
See the Technical Specifications of the Tank Models
7. Tank Contractor Responsibility (4.7):
Experienced contractors will handle all of the necessary work with careful workmanship and expert supervision. The manufacturer shall warranty the tank for at least 1 year from the date of completion. Once the tank is complete, the contractor will test the tank for being watertight and notify the authority for official inspection. Contractors will remove and dispose of any trash on-site, in accordance with NFPA 241. Our accredited dealer and installation network are held by contract to the Pioneer Water Tank workmanship standards and expert project supervision. We offer a 20-year warranty from the date of completion.
8. Attachments to Tank Structures (4.8):
If the water tank will be used to support signs, flagpoles, steel stacks, etc, they need to be specifically designed for that purpose. Each tank shell manway will have a confined entry requirement signposted.
We offer a full line of optional engineered accessories for multiple water storage applications, including firefighting adapters and nozzles manufactured to NFPA standards.
9. Lightning Protection (4.9):
Water tanks will be installed according to NFPA 780 to prevent lightning damage.
10. Strength (4.10):
The tank material is required to be without defects that affect its strength or service. The workmanship quality of the tank will be so that defects or injuries aren’t produced during the tank manufacturing or installation.
The tank structure needs to have the required strength and rigidity set forth. Pioneer Water Tanks are third-party tested, certified and warranty-backed for everything stated in our engineering packages.
11. National Standards (4.11):
Only tank materials produced and tested in accordance with the requirements of a recognized national standard and within the mechanical (strength), metallurgical, and chemical limitations of one of the material grades specified by NFPA 22 will be permitted.
a. Dead Load: The dead load will be the estimated weight of all permanent construction and fittings.
b. Live Load: Under normal conditions, the live load will be the weight of all the liquid when it overflows the top of the tank. Provisions will be made for temporary stresses during installation.
c. Wind Load: Under normal conditions, the wind load or pressure will be assumed to be 30 lb/ft2 (147 kg/m2) on vertical plane surfaces, 18 lb/ft2 (88 kg/m2) on projected areas of cylindrical surfaces, and 15 lb/ft2 (73 kg/m2) on projected areas of conical and double-curved plate surfaces.
d. Earthquake Load: Water tank structures will comply with the local building code for seismic requirements.
e. Balcony, Platform, and Ladder Loads: All of the tank structural parts and connections will be designed to withstand loads they will be used for. These specified loads are not be required to be combined with snow loading.
f. Columns and Struts: All steel columns and struts will be designed in conformance with AWWA D100.
g. Stress Increases: When wind or earthquake loads are considered in calculating stresses, the maximum permissible increase in the working unit stresses will be one-third, provided the resulting section isn’t less than what’s required for the dead and live loads.
h. Roof Construction: The tank roof will be designed to withstand the forces anticipated during the installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance.
13. Welding (4.13):
Welding will be completed in accordance with AWWA D100, NFPA 241, and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX.
14. Roof Standards (4.14):
All tanks need a roof. The OSHA-compliant standard railing will be placed on the roof manholes and other accessories that require access.
We offer complete engineering packages and water tank roof plans for Pioneer Water Tanks.
15. Roof Vent Standards (4.15):
Steel rooftops that are essentially airtight need a vent above the maximum water level with a corrosion-resistant screen to prevent contamination.
We offer multiple ventilation accessories for Pioneer Water Tanks.
16. Test Reports (4.16):
Test reports and certificates of compliance will be maintained by the vendor and made available for review by the purchaser. Pioneer Water Tanks’ test reports and certificates of compliance are ready for permitting packages by the project.
General Requirements
General Requirements
