On a two-story building, who determines the utilization of an alternate extinguishing system?

The determination of the utilization of an alternate extinguishing system in a two-story building falls under the purview of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ is responsible for enforcing codes, standards, and regulations related to fire safety and life safety, and they ensure compliance with applicable laws. This includes evaluating and approving the design and implementation of fire protection systems, including alternative extinguishing systems.

The AHJ's role is critical because they possess the expertise to assess whether an alternate extinguishing system meets the necessary requirements for safety and effectiveness in a specific building context. They consider factors such as the building's occupancy type, its layout, and the potential hazards present when making this determination.

Other players in the fire safety ecosystem, such as the building owner, local fire chief, and insurance inspector, may have their specific responsibilities and influence, but final approval and determination of fire protection systems primarily rests with the AHJ. This ensures a standardized approach to fire safety across various jurisdictions while accounting for local building conditions and risks.