Plan Review Requirements Improving the Work Product

Transcription

1 Plan Review Requirements Improving the Work Product The Society of Fire Protection Engineers New Jersey Chapter and The Automatic Fire Alarm Association of New Jersey Spring Technical Seminar April 15, 2011 John Drucker, CET Fire Protection Subcode Official Building, Fire, Electrical Inspector Borough of Red Bank, NJ 1

2 Online References NJDCA Codes and Standards- NJDCA Division of Fire Safety- NFPA ICC Note: Code references are provided for instructional use only and may not be in their entirety. Always obtain the referenced codes and standards in their entirety from the appropriate organizations. 2

3 Intent The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. International Building & Fire Codes 3

4 Code and Standards 2009 New Jersey I-Code Adoptions 2009 International Building Code/NJ Edition Adopted Sept 7, International Residential Code/NJ Edition Adopted Sept 7, NFPA-72 National Fire Alarm Code 2007 NFPA-13/13R/13D Fire Sprinkler Standards 4

5 Code and Standards Grace Period Codes and Standards & Ongoing Projects including Permit Extension Act 2006 International Building Code/NJ Edition Adopted February 20, 2007 (39 NJR 633(a)) 2006 International Residential Code/NJ Edition Adopted February 20, 2007 (39 NJR 633(a)) 2002 NFPA-72 National Fire Alarm Code 2002 NFPA-13/13R/13D Fire Sprinkler Standards Filing Grace Period Expired March 7,

6 Code and Standards N.J.A.C. 5: Materials and methods (Rehabilitation Subcode) (a) The following requirements shall be met for materials and installation methods for all items that are part of the applicant's proposed project for all categories of work other than repair as defined in N.J.A.C. 5: Where sections listed below reference other sections not listed below, those sections shall apply within that limited context. (b) Building and Fire Protection Materials and Methods: The following sections of the building subcode (N.J.A.C. 5: ) shall constitute the building and fire protection materials and methods requirements for this subchapter: All of Chapter 9 entitled "Fire Protection Systems" except 901, 902, 903.2, 904.2, 905.3, 908.1, 908.2, 910.2,

7 Code and Standards N.J.A.C. 5: Materials and methods (Rehabilitation Subcode) All of Chapter 9 entitled "Fire Protection Systems" except 901, 902, 903.2, 904.2, 905.3, 908.1, 908.2, 910.2, 911; The exceptions are needed since the rehabilitation subcode contains the required criteria for work in existing buildings. Remember Additions while addressed in the Rehabilitation Subcode are considered new construction and therefore comply in total with the Building Subcode! 7

8 Fire Alarm PRODUCT LISTING AND APPLICATION 2007 NFPA Equipment. Equipment constructed and installed in conformity with this Code shall be listed for the purpose for which it is used. Fire alarm system components shall be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer s published instructions and this Code. 8

9 Fire Sprinkler PRODUCT LISTING AND APPLICATION 2007 NFPA Listing Materials or devices not specifically designated by this standard shall be used in accordance with all conditions, requirements, and limitations of their special listing. All special listing requirements shall be included and identified in the product submittal literature and installation instructions Components that do not affect system performance such as drain piping, drain valves, and signs shall not be required to be listed. 9

10 Fire Alarm 2007 NFPA Equivalency Nothing in this Code shall prevent the use of systems, methods, devices, or appliances of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this Code Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency The systems, methods, devices, or appliances that are found equivalent shall be approved. 10

11 Fire Sprinkler 2007 NFPA Equivalency Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this standard. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction. 11

12 NJ Uniform Construction Code Standardized Documents throughout New Jersey 12

13 NJ Uniform Construction Code 13

14 NJ Uniform Construction Code 14

15 NJ Uniform Construction Code 15

16 NJ Uniform Construction Code 16

17 NJ Uniform Construction Code 17

18 NJ Uniform Construction Code N.J.A.C. 5: Variations and exceptions (a) No variations or exceptions from the requirements of any subcode of these regulations may be made, except upon the following findings: 1. That strict compliance with any specific subcode provision, if required, would result in practical difficulty to such owner; and 2. That the exception, if granted, will not jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of intended occupants and the public generally. 18

19 NJ Uniform Construction Code 19

20 NJ Uniform Construction Code 20

21 NJ Uniform Construction Code 5: Ordinary maintenance (a) Ordinary maintenance to structures may be made without filing a permit application with or giving notice to the construction official. (b) Ordinary maintenance shall not include any of the following: 4. Any work affecting structural or fire safety 21

22 NJ Uniform Construction Code 5: Ordinary maintenance (a) Ordinary maintenance to structures may be made without filing a permit application with or giving notice to the construction official. 4. Ordinary fire protection maintenance shall include: i. The replacement of any sprinkler or smoke detector or heat detector head with a like device; ii. The repair or replacement of any component of a fire alarm or smoke and heat detection equipment (other than the replacement of a fire alarm control panel); iii. The installation of battery-powered smoke alarms; and iv. The installation of battery-powered or plug-in type carbon monoxide alarms. 22

23 NJ Uniform Construction Code (b) The following are exceptions from (a) above: 1. Ordinary maintenance as defined in N.J.A.C. 5: shall not require a permit or notice to the enforcing agency; 2. Minor work as defined by N.J.A.C. 5: A shall require a permit. However, work may proceed, upon notice to the enforcing agency, before the permit is issued; 3. Emergency work not involving lead abatement, except that a permit shall be applied for or notice given as soon thereafter as is practicable, but not later than 72 hours thereafter. 23

24 NJ Uniform Construction Code 5: Construction permits--application (a) The application for a permit shall be submitted on the standard Construction Permit Application form prescribed by the Commissioner at N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.5(b)2 and shall be accompanied by the required fee, as provided for in this subchapter and N.J.A.C. 5:23-4. The application shall contain a general description of the proposed work, its location, the use and occupancy of all parts of the building or structure and all portions of the site or lot not covered by the building or structure, and such additional information as may be required by the construction official, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 24

25 NJ Uniform Construction Code (f) Plans, plan review, plan release: 1. Plans and specifications: The application for the permit shall be accompanied by no fewer than two copies of specifications and of plans drawn to scale, with sufficient clarity and detail dimensions to show the nature and character of the work to be performed. Plans submitted shall be required to show only such detail and include only such information as shall be necessary to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the code and these regulations or to facilitate inspections for code conformity. When quality of materials is essential for conformity to the regulations, specific information shall be given to establish such quality; and this code shall not be cited, or the term "legal" or its equivalent be used, as a substitute for specific information. 25

26 NJ Uniform Construction Code (f) Plans, plan review, plan release: 1. Plans and specifications:..or the term "legal" or its equivalent be used, as a substitute for specific information NFPA (22) Type and locations of hangers, sleeves, braces, and methods of securing sprinklers when applicable. 26

27 NJ Uniform Construction Code vii. Engineering details and specifications: The construction official and appropriate subcode official may require adequate details of structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical work, including computations, stress diagrams and other essential technical data to be filed. All engineering plans and computations shall bear the seal and signature of the licensed engineer or registered architect responsible for the design. Plans for buildings shall indicate how required structural and fire-resistance rating will be maintained for penetrations made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and systems. 27

28 NJ Uniform Construction Code Plumbing plans for class III structures may be prepared by persons licensed pursuant to "The Master Plumber Licensing Act", N.J.S.A. 45:14C-1 et seq. Electrical plans for class III structures may be prepared by persons licensed pursuant to "The Electrical Contractors Licensing Act", N.J.S.A. 45:5A-1 et seq.; Class III Structures; Group B less than 7,200 square feet, two stories, 40 feet high; Group M less than 4,800 square feet, one story, 40 feet high; Group S-1 less than 4,200 square feet, one story, 40 feet high; Group S-2 less than 7,200 square feet, two stories, 40 feet high; Group R-3 as permitted in the building subcode and including accessory private garages, radio and television antennae and swimming pools; vi. Group R-5 as permitted in the one- and two-family dwelling subcode and including accessory private garages, radio and television antennae and swimming pools. 28

29 NJ Uniform Construction Code ix. Architect's or engineer's seal: The seal and signature of the registered architect or licensed engineer who prepared the plans shall be affixed to each sheet of each copy of the plans submitted and on the first or title sheet of the specifications and any additional supportive information submitted. The construction official shall waive the requirement for sealed plans in the case of a single family home owner who had prepared his or her own plans for the construction, addition, reconstruction, alteration, renovation or repair of a detached structure used or intended to be used exclusively as his or her private residence providing that the owner shall submit an affidavit attesting to the fact that he or she has personally prepared the plans and provided further that said plans are in the opinion of the construction official, and appropriate subcode official, legible and complete for purposes of ensuring compliance with the regulations. x. The construction official upon the advice of the appropriate subcode official may waive the requirement for plans when the work is of a minor nature. 29

30 NJ Uniform Construction Code xi. Those portions of the plans that are required to be submitted and which are not included at the time of application shall be listed by the design professional as part of the application. (1) All documents prepared by people other than the design professional shall be reviewed by the design professional and submitted with a letter indicating that they have been reviewed and found to be in conformance with the regulations for the design of the building. 30

31 NJ Uniform Construction Code 3. Examination of plans: All plans submitted and any amendments thereto accompanied by the required documentation and application, and upon payment of the fee established by the enforcing agency, shall be numbered, docketed and examined promptly after their submission for compliance with the provisions of the regulations. The Good The Bad The Ugly 31

32 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Construction documents. Fire Alarm Systems [F] Construction documents for fire alarm systems shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code, and the International Fire Code. [F] Installation Requirements. Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections through [F] Standards. Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or The applicant must demonstrate compliance. Interestingly many applications are simply incomplete. Lets take a look at what's supposed to be submitted 32

33 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation, and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: 1. A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms. 2. Locations of alarm-initiating devices. 3. Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visible alarm notification appliances. 4. Location of fire alarm control unit, transponders and notification power supplies. 5. Annunciators. 6. Power connection. 7. Battery calculations. 8. Conductor type and sizes. 9. Voltage drop calculations. 10. Manufacturers data sheets indicating model numbers and listing information for equipment, devices and materials. 11. Details of ceiling height and construction. 12. The interface of fire safety control functions. 13. Classification of the supervising station. 33

34 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or NFPA Working Plans Working plans shall be submitted for approval to the authority having jurisdiction before any equipment is installed or remodeled Working plans shall be drawn to an indicated scale, on sheets of uniform size, with a plan of each floor, and shall show those items from the following list that pertain to the design of the system: 34

35 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or (1) Name of owner and occupant. (2) Location, including street address. (3) Point of compass. (4) Full height cross section, or schematic diagram, including structural member information if required for clarity and including ceiling construction and method of protection for nonmetallic piping. (5) Location of partitions. (6) Location of fire walls. (7) Occupancy class of each area or room. (8) Location and size of concealed spaces, closets, attics, and bathrooms. (9) Any small enclosures in which no sprinklers are to be installed. (10) Size of city main in street and whether dead end or circulating; if dead end, direction and distance to nearest circulating main; and city main test results and system elevation relative to test hydrant (see A ). 35

36 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or (11) Other sources of water supply, with pressure or elevation. (12) Make, type, model, and nominal K-factor of sprinklers including sprinkler identification number. (13) Temperature rating and location of high-temperature sprinklers. (14) Total area protected by each system on each floor. (15) Number of sprinklers on each riser per floor. (16) Total number of sprinklers on each dry pipe system, preaction system, combined dry pipe-preaction system, or deluge system. (17) Approximate capacity in gallons of each dry pipe system. (18) Pipe type and schedule of wall thickness. (19) Nominal pipe size and cutting lengths of pipe (or center to center dimensions). Where typical branch lines prevail, it shall be necessary to size only one typical line. (20) Location and size of riser nipples. 36

37 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or (21) Type of fittings and joints and location of all welds and bends. The contractor shall specify on drawing any sections to be shop welded and the type of fittings or formations to be used. (22) Type and locations of hangers, sleeves, braces, and methods of securing sprinklers when applicable. (23) All control valves, check valves, drain pipes, and test connections. (24) Make, type, model, and size of alarm or dry pipe valve. (25) Make, type, model, and size of preaction or deluge valve. (26) Kind and location of alarm bells. (27) Size and location of standpipe risers, hose outlets, hand hose, monitor nozzles, and related equipment. (28) Private fire service main sizes, lengths, locations, weights, materials, point of connection to city main; the sizes, types and locations of valves, valve indicators, regulators, meters, and valve pits; and the depth that the top of the pipe is laid below grade. (29) Piping provisions for flushing. (30) Where the equipment is to be installed as an addition to an existing system, enough of the existing system indicated on the plans to make all conditions clear. 37

38 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or (31) For hydraulically designed systems, the information on the hydraulic data nameplate. Remember NJ F380 Hydraulic Data Plate (32) A graphic representation of the scale used on all plans. (33) Name and address of contractor. (34) Hydraulic reference points shown on the plan that correspond with comparable reference points on the hydraulic calculation sheets. (35) The minimum rate of water application (density or flow or discharge pressure), the design area of water application, in-rack sprinkler demand, and the water required for hose streams both inside and outside. (36) The total quantity of water and the pressure required noted at a common reference point for each system. (37) Relative elevations of sprinklers, junction points, and supply or reference points. (38) If room design method is used, all unprotected wall openings throughout the floor protected. (39) Calculation of loads for sizing and details of sway bracing. (40) The setting for pressure-reducing valves. 38

39 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or (41) Information about backflow preventers (manufacturer, size, type). (42) Information about antifreeze solution used (type and amount). (43) Size and location of hydrants, showing size and number of outlets and if outlets are to be equipped with independent gate valves. Whether hose houses and equipment are to be provided, and by whom, shall be indicated. Static and residual hydrants that were used in flow tests shall be shown (44) Size, location, and piping arrangement of fire department connections. (45) Ceiling/roof heights and slopes not shown in the full height cross section. (46) Edition year of NFPA 13 that the sprinkler system is designed to. 39

40 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or A signed copy of the owner s certificate and the working plan submittal shall include the manufacturer s installation instructions for any specially listed equipment, including descriptions, applications, and limitations for any sprinklers, devices, piping, or fittings. 40

41 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or Water Supply Information Water Supply Capacity Information. The following information shall be included: (1) Location and elevation of static and residual test gauge with relation to the riser reference point (2) Flow location (3) Static pressure, psi (bar) (4) Residual pressure, psi (bar) (5) Flow, gpm (L/min) (6) Date (7) Time (8) Test conducted by or information supplied by (9) Other sources of water supply, with pressure or elevation 41

42 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or Hydraulic Calculation Forms General. Hydraulic calculations shall be prepared on form sheets that include a summary sheet, detailed worksheets, and a graph sheet. 42

43 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Standards. Fire Sprinkler Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section , or Hydraulic Calculation Forms * Summary Sheet. The summary sheet shall contain the following information, where applicable: (1) Date (2) Location (3) Name of owner and occupant (4) Building number or other identification (5) Description of hazard (for storage applications, the commodity classification, storage height, and rack configuration shall be included) (6) Name and address of contractor or designer (7) Name of approving agency (8) System design requirements, as follows: (a) Design area of water application, ft2 (m2) (b) Minimum rate of water application (density), gpm/ft2 (mm/min). Where sprinklers are listed with minimum water application in gpm (L/min) or pressure in psi (bar), the minimum rate of water application shall be indicated in gpm (L/min) or pressure, psi (bar). (c) Area per sprinkler, ft2 (m2) 43

44 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 1. A floor plan that indicates the use of all rooms. Restroom Owners Office (Private) Reception General Sales Office Warehouse ¼ =1 Ft 44

45 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 2. Locations of alarm-initiating devices. Restroom Owners Office (Private) General Sales Office Warehouse Reception ¼ =1 Ft 45

46 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 3. Locations of alarm notification appliances, including candela ratings for visible alarm notification appliances. 15 Restroom Owners Office (Private) Reception General Sales Office Warehouse ¼ =1 Ft 46

47 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 4. Location of fire alarm control unit, transponders and notification power supplies. 15 Restroom Owners Office (Private) Reception General Sales Office Warehouse F 75 ¼ =1 Ft 47

48 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 5. Annunciators. 15 Restroom Owners Office (Private) A Reception General Sales Office Warehouse F 75 ¼ =1 Ft 48

49 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 6. Power connection. 15 Restroom Owners Office (Private) A Reception General Sales Office Warehouse F GP-1 75 ¼ =1 Ft 49

50 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 7. Battery calculations. 50

51 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 8. Conductor type and sizes. 9. Voltage drop calculations. 51

52 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 10. Manufacturers data sheets indicating model numbers and listing information for equipment, devices and materials. 52

53 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Equipment. Systems and [their] components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed. 53

54 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 11. Details of ceiling height and construction. 54

55 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 11. Details of ceiling height and construction NFPA Heat Sensing Fire Detectors 2007 NFPA Spot Type Smoke Detectors Be sure to thoroughly review the location and spacing requirements based on the conditions, design and submit accordingly 55

56 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 12. The interface of fire safety control functions. 56

57 2009 International Bldg Code/NJ Edition [F] Fire alarm shop drawings. 13. Classification of the supervising station. 57

58 NJ Uniform Construction Code Submittal Information and Documentation 1) The NFPA-72 System and Service Classification 2) The NFPA-72 Communications Method 3) The MFVN Service Providers Name and Type of Service 3) The Monitoring Service Providers Name 4) Copy of the Monitoring Service Providers Listing Documentation 5) Communications Equipment Manufacturer and Model 6) Copy of the Communications Equipment Tech Sheet(s) and Listing Documentation 7) The Number of Communications Paths and the Provisions made to Monitor the Communications Technology and Communications Path. Alarm companies can simplify this by having prepackaged submittals made up ahead of time 58

59 Plan Review Comments Lets look at some actual plan review comments. 59

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78 Common Issues Backflow Preventers Correct Type of BFP pursuant to the NSPC with NJ Amendments? Are MIC and or Antifreeze Solutions in Use? Submitted BFP Matches that Hydraulically Calculated for? For RPZ s, provision to dispose of discharge? Provisions to forward Flow Test BFP? 78

79 Common Issues Main Drain, Fire Pump Relief and Inspectors Test Connection Point of Discharge and Disposal Where does the outlet discharge to? For Main Drains and ITC s to a location that can accept full flow and pressure? Does the discharge location pose a hazard in winter months such as sidewalks and roadways? Does the outlet discharge to sanitary sewer? Has the size of the smallest single sprinkler orifice been specified? 79

80 Common Issues Fire Department Connections Has the compatible thread be specified? Is the FDC on the front of the building at a location approved by the fire department? Is the FDC a flush type when over walkways? Is the FDC line properly equipped with a ball drip?, is the ball drip accessible for future inspection and maintenance? Is the FDC properly marked? 80

81 Common Issues Fire Alarm Systems Audibility and Visibility - IBC/NFPA-72 Requirements? Have the voltage drop calculations been performed?. Does the wire size specified in the calculations match that on the plans? Don t Forget - Smoke Detector at the Panel ( except fully suppressed) and at least one Manual Station. Supervising Station Systems Methods and Materials especially now with alternate means of communications including the use of MFVN s Do the calculations match the quantities, types and power requirements of the devices and appliances called out on the plans? Mounting Heights Specified? 81

82 Common Issues Remember the purpose of plans and submittals is to demonstrate code compliance. To do this the documentation must be complete and accurate. Install Quality Control Checks Develop Checklists Verify that Backgrounds correspond with Architectural s and that RCP is coordinated Check the Math Develop and or use Calculators such as spreadsheets that can be imported to the plans Documentation in Duplicate as a minimum Remember one approved set must be on the jobsite for inspection. Signatures and Seals & Review by the Primary Design Professional Legal Statements or Equivalent not allowed 82

83 NJ Uniform Construction Code Apply Review Remember, it is the applicants responsibility is to demonstrate code compliance Issue 83