The provisions of this chapter shall govern interior finish, interior trim, furniture, furnishings, decorative materials and decorative vegetation in buildings. Existing buildings shall comply with Sections 803 through 808. New buildings shall comply with Sections 804 through 808, and Section 803 of the South Carolina Building Code.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
The provisions of this section shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings based on location and occupancy classification. Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with Section 803 of the South Carolina Building Code. Such materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286, as indicated in Section 803.1.1, or in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as indicated in Section 803.1.2.
Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2.
The interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
- The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.
- The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m2.
Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Such interior finish materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke-developed indices.
- Class A: Flame spread index 0—25; smoke-developed index 0—450.
- Class B: Flame spread index 26—75; smoke-developed index 0—450.
- Class C: Flame spread index 76—200; smoke-developed index 0—450.
Exception: Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 and as indicated in Sections 803.1.3 through 803.15.
Interior wall and ceiling finish shall have a flame spread index not greater than that specified in Table 803.3 for the group and location designated. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286, and meeting the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1, shall be used where a Class A classification in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 is required.
INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH REQUIREMENTS BY OCCUPANCYk
| GROUP | SPRINKLEREDl | NONSPRINKLERED | ||||
| Interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passagewaysa, b |
Corridors and enclosure for exit access stairways and ramps |
Rooms and enclosed spacesc |
Interior exit stairways and rampsand exit passagewaysa, b |
Corridors and enclosure for exit access stairways and ramps |
Rooms and enclosed spacesc |
|
| A-1 and A-2 | B | B | C | A | Ad | Be |
| A-3f, A-4, A-5 | B | B | C | A | Ad | C |
| B, E, M, R-1, R-4 | B | Cm | C | A | Bm | C |
| F | C | C | C | B | C | C |
| H | B | B | Cg | A | A | B |
| I-1 | B | C | C | A | B | B |
| I-2 | B | B | Bh, i | A | A | B |
| I-3 | A | Aj | C | A | A | B |
| I-4 | B | B | Bh, i | A | A | B |
| R-2 | C | C | C | B | B | C |
| R-3 | C | C | C | C | C | C |
| S | C | C | C | B | B | C |
| U | No Restrictions | No Restrictions | ||||
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
- Class C interior finish materials shall be allowed for wainscoting or paneling of not more than 1,000 square feet of applied surface area in the grade lobby where applied directly to a noncombustible base or over furring strips applied to a noncombustible base and fireblocked as required by Section 803.11 of the South Carolina Building Code.
- In exit enclosures of buildings less than three stories in height of other than Group I-3, Class B interior finish for nonsprinklered buildings and Class C for sprinklered buildings shall be permitted.
- Requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces shall be based on spaces enclosed by partitions. Where a fire-resistance rating is required for structural elements, the enclosing partitions shall extend from the floor to the ceiling. Partitions that do not comply with this shall be considered as enclosing spaces and the rooms or spaces on both sides shall be considered as one. In determining the applicable requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces, the specific occupancy thereof shall be the governing factor regardless of the group classification of the building or structure.
- Lobby areas in Group A-1, A-2 and A-3 occupancies shall be not less than Class B materials.
- Class C interior finish materials shall be allowed in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 300 persons or less.
- In places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall be allowed.
- Class B material is required where the building exceeds two stories.
- Class C interior finish materials shall be allowed in administrative spaces.
- Class C interior finish materials shall be allowed in rooms with a capacity of four persons or less.
- Class B materials shall be allowed as wainscoting extending not more than 48 inches above the finished floor in corridors.
- Finish materials as provided for in other sections of this code.
- Applies where the vertical exits, exit passageways, corridors or rooms and spaces are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
- Corridors in ambulatory care facilities shall have a Class B or better interior finish material.
Where testing to NFPA 265, the interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40-kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot (203 by 305 mm) walls.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur.
- For newly introduced wall coverings, the total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m2.
Facings or veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate shall comply with one of the following:
- The facing or veneer shall meet the criteria of Section 803.1.1 when tested in accordance with NFPA 286 using the product mounting system, including adhesive, described in Section 5.8.9 of NFPA 286.
- The facing or veneer shall have a Class A, B or C flame spread index and smoke-developed index based on the requirements of Table 803.3, in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
Laminated products factory produced with an attached wood substrate shall comply with one of the following:
- The laminated product shall meet the criteria of Section 803.1.1 when tested in accordance with NFPA 286 using the product mounting system, including adhesive, of actual use.
- The laminated product shall have a Class A, B or C flame spread index and smoke-developed index based on the requirements of Table 803.3, in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2579.
The flame spread index shall not exceed 75 where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The smoke-developed index shall not be limited.
Exception: Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it is not required to be tested for flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
New interior floor finish and floor covering materials in new and existing buildings shall comply with Sections 804.3.1 through 804.3.3.2.
Exception: Floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.
In all occupancies, new interior floor finish and floor covering materials in enclosures for stairways and ramps, exit passageways, corridors and rooms or spaces not separated from corridors by full-height partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the ceiling shall withstand a minimum critical radiant flux. The minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I in Groups I-1, I-2 and I-3 and not less than Class II in Groups A, B, E, H, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 and S.
Exception: Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, Class II materials shall be permitted in any area where Class I materials are required and materials complying with DOC FF-1 "pill test" (CPSC 16 CFR Part 1630) or with ASTM D2859 shall be permitted in any area where Class II materials are required.
Interior floor-wall base that is 6 inches (152 mm) or less in height shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and shall be not less than Class II. Where a Class I floor finish is required, the floor-wall base shall be Class I. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watt/cm2 or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm2 or greater.
Exception: Interior trim materials that comply with Section 804.1.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall be shown to resist ignition by cigarettes as determined by tests conducted in accordance with one of the following:
- Mocked-up composites of the upholstered furniture shall have a char length not exceeding 1.5 inches (38 mm) when tested in accordance with NFPA 261.
- The components of the upholstered furniture shall meet the requirements for Class I when tested in accordance with NFPA 260.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1537 or California Technical Bulletin 133, as follows:
The peak rate of heat release for the single upholstered furniture item shall not exceed 80 kW.
Exception: Upholstered furniture in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The total heat released by the single upholstered furniture item during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 megajoules (MJ).
Exception: Upholstered furniture in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Newly introduced mattresses shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1590 or California Technical Bulletin 129, as follows:
The peak rate of heat release for the single mattress shall not exceed 100 kW.
Exception: Mattresses in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The total heat released by the single mattress during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Exception: Mattresses in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall be shown to resist ignition by cigarettes as determined by tests conducted in accordance with one of the following: (a) mocked-up composites of the upholstered furniture shall have a char length not exceeding 1.5 inches (38 mm) when tested in accordance with NFPA 261 or (b) the components of the upholstered furniture shall meet the requirements for Class I when tested in accordance with NFPA 260.
Exception: Upholstered furniture belonging to the patients in sleeping rooms of Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies provided that a smoke detector is installed in such rooms. Battery-powered, single-station smoke alarms shall be allowed.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1537 or California Technical Bulletin 133, as follows:
The peak rate of heat release for the single upholstered furniture item shall not exceed 80 kW.
Exception: Upholstered furniture in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The total heat released by the single upholstered furniture item during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Exception: Upholstered furniture in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Newly introduced mattresses shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1590 or California Technical Bulletin 129, as follows:
The peak rate of heat release for the single mattress shall not exceed 100 kW.
Exception: Mattresses in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The total heat released by the single mattress during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Exception: Mattresses in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall be shown to resist ignition by cigarettes as determined by tests conducted in accordance with one of the following:
- Mocked-up composites of the upholstered furniture shall have a char length not exceeding 1.5 inches (38 mm) when tested in accordance with NFPA 261.
- The components of the upholstered furniture shall meet the requirements for Class I when tested in accordance with NFPA 260.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1537, as follows:
- The peak rate of heat release for the single upholstered furniture item shall not exceed 80 kW.
- The total heat released by the single upholstered furniture item during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Newly introduced mattresses shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1590 or California Technical Bulletin 129, as follows:
- The peak rate of heat release for the single mattress shall not exceed 100 kW.
- The total heat released by the single mattress during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall be shown to resist ignition by cigarettes as determined by tests conducted in accordance with one of the following:
- Mocked-up composites of the upholstered furniture shall have a char length not exceeding 11/2 inches (38 mm) when tested in accordance with NFPA 261.
- The components of the upholstered furniture shall meet the requirements for Class I when tested in accordance with NFPA 260.
Newly introduced upholstered furniture shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1537 or California Technical Bulletin 133, as follows:
The peak rate of heat release for the single upholstered furniture item shall not exceed 80 kW.
Exception: Upholstered furniture in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The total heat released by the single upholstered furniture item during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Exception: Upholstered furniture in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Newly introduced mattresses shall have limited rates of heat release when tested in accordance with ASTM E1590 or California Technical Bulletin 129, as follows:
The peak rate of heat release for the single mattress shall not exceed 100 kW.
Exception: Mattresses in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The total heat released by the single mattress during the first 10 minutes of the test shall not exceed 25 MJ.
Exception: Mattresses in rooms or spaces protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Natural cut trees shall be prohibited within ambulatory care facilities and Group A, E, I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 and R-4 occupancies.
Exceptions:
- Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E, M, R-1 and R-2.
- Trees shall be allowed within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies.
The support device that holds the tree in an upright position shall be of a type that is stable and that meets all of the following criteria:
- The device shall hold the tree securely and be of adequate size to avoid tipping over of the tree.
- The device shall be capable of containing a minimum two-day supply of water.
- The water level, when full, shall cover the tree stem not less than 2 inches (51 mm). The water level shall be maintained above the fresh cut and checked not less than once daily.
The following requirements shall apply to all occupancies:
- Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
- Fire-retardant coatings in existing buildings shall be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under service conditions encountered in actual use.
- Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
- The permissible amount of noncombustible decorative materials shall not be limited.
In Groups A, B, E, I, M and R-1 and in dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which such materials are attached.
Fixed or movable walls and partitions, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or other purposes shall be considered to be interior finish, shall comply with Section 803 and shall not be considered decorative materials or furnishings.
Exceptions:
- In auditoriums in Group A, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative material suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 75 percent of the aggregate wall area where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and where the material is installed in accordance with Section 803.15 of the South Carolina Building Code.
- In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 50 percent of the aggregate wall areas where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.
- In Group B and M occupancies, the amount of combustible fabric partitions suspended from the ceiling and not supported by the floor shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not be limited.
- The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.
Artificial decorative vegetation shall comply with this section and the requirements of Sections 806.2 and 806.3. Natural decorative vegetation shall comply with Section 806.
Exception: Testing of artificial vegetation is not required in Group I-1; Group I-2, Condition 1; Group R-2; Group R-3; or Group R-4 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1, where such artificial vegetation complies with the following:
- Wreaths and other decorative items on doors shall not obstruct the door operation and shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area of the door.
- Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.
- Decorative artificial vegetation not on doors or walls shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension.
Exposed foam plastic materials and unprotected materials containing foam plastic used for decorative purposes or stage scenery or exhibit booths shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW ignition source.
Exceptions:
- Individual foam plastic items or items containing foam plastic where the foam plastic does not exceed 1 pound (0.45 kg) in weight.
- Cellular or foam plastic shall be allowed for trim in accordance with Section 804.2.
Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.
Exceptions:
- Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section 907.
- Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.
Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.
Exceptions:
- Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section 907.
- Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.
Wastebaskets, linen containers and other waste containers, including their lids, located in Group I-1, I-2 and I-3 occupancies and Group B ambulatory care facilities shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of materials that meet a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m2 when tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m2 in the horizontal orientation. Metal wastebaskets and other metal waste containers with a capacity of 20 gallons (75.7 L) or more shall be listed in accordance with UL 1315 and shall be provided with a noncombustible lid. Portable containers exceeding 32 gallons (121 L) shall be stored in an area classified as a waste and linen collection room and constructed in accordance with Table 509 of the South Carolina Building Code.
Exception: Recycling containers complying with Section 808.1.2 are not required to be stored in waste and linen collection rooms.
Foam plastic signs that are not affixed to interior building surfaces shall have a maximum heat release rate of 150 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20-kW ignition source.
Exception: Where the aggregate area of foam plastic signs is less than 10 percent of the floor area or wall area of the room or space in which the signs are located, whichever is less, subject to the approval of the fire code official.
Where lockers constructed of combustible materials are used, the lockers shall be considered to be interior finish and shall comply with Section 803.
Exception: Lockers constructed entirely of wood and noncombustible materials shall be permitted to be used wherever interior finish materials are required to meet a Class C classification in accordance with Section 803.1.2.
