Keith S. Frangiamore is vice president of operations at Fire Safety Consultants, Inc. (FSCI), Elgin, Ill., and a certified fire protection specialist. FSCI, one of the largest private fire protection plan review service companies in the United States, provides review services for many U.S. municipalities and fire departments, as well as for private companies throughout the world. FSCI’s project list includes soccer stadiums, hospitals, casinos and data storage warehouses.

Q. What does a fire safety consultant do?

A. We provide plan review services for municipalities, building owners, architects and engineers. We review the building and/or the fire protection plans, specifications and hydraulic calculations for strict compliance with state and local codes. Additionally, we provide complete building code consulting, site review and inspection services, seminars, fire service planning and management, and fire investigations.

Fire consultants inspect and witness both new and existing fire protection/building code system testing. We will typically perform a cursory site visit, prepare a proposal for the work to be performed and contact the local code official for more information. For municipalities, for example, we inspect the systems for compliance with required codes and approved plans. Then we provide the municipality with a report on the inspections, tests performed and recommendations.

Q. What does a report usually contain?

A. A report outlines actions needed to meet requirements about any code issues related to fire protection or fire protection systems and good fire protection practices. Fire consultants’ reports normally will outline options available and explain each of them fully, including their financial impact.

Q. What types of inspections and tests are required in fire inspections?

A. The required tests and inspections depend on the type of system(s) that are present in the project or occupancy. The plan review letter details the required tests that must be scheduled for each type of system that has been submitted for approval.

Q. What is the sequence for the required tests and inspections in buildings with multiple systems?

A. During site work, the underground fire service water main is completed and tested first. Once the underground has been flushed for both the clean water sample and the required NFPA 24 flush test, the sprinkler system can be connected to the lateral feed main. Then the fire sprinkler system hydrostatic test and rough inspection takes place. The fire alarm system acceptance test is performed when the system is installed and connected to the monitoring agency. Commercial kitchen wet chemical systems, FM200 systems and dry chemical systems can be inspected and tested whenever they are completed. Final inspections on all systems then verify full operation at the time of occupancy.

Q. What suggestions do you have for contractors and installers to make the process go more smoothly?

A. First, get a copy of the latest NFPA 72. There are useful, reproducible forms in the annex, such as submittals, testing forms and the latest information on the decibel requirements. In many renovations or additions, voltage calculations should be addressed. Make sure the voltage to the new area meets requirements. Caution should be used not to overload the system. The audibility at the end of the line could vary as much as 20 dB or more.

Recently, we determined that the smoke/fire detection system for a five-story high-rise with multiple wings and hundreds of units did not meet audibility requirements. Almost the entire building had to be rewired.

Q. How do you prevent such a problem from happening?

Companies such as ours can provide the up-front review of drawings before the actual work begins. We strongly suggest this before submitting to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Also, allow for new technologies in your plans, and submit complete and accurate plans with as much information as possible. Check for obsolescence of upgrades of existing detectors or alarms. Rapid changes occur regularly in the industry.

Q. How much do inspections typically cost? Who is responsible to pay inspection costs?

Costs depend on the jurisdiction and the fees paid for the plan review. In some cases, the plan review fee includes one or two site inspections. If more than two site visits are required for system(s) approval, additional fees may be required based on an hourly rate.

Typically, the contractor is responsible for all costs associated with site work. If additional fees are required for field work, the responsible party must pay those fees in advance unless other arrangements are made.

Tags: A/V Notification, Carbon monoxide, Fire sprinklers, Q&A, Smoke detection, Speakers and Strobes

Posted in Q & A : Ask the Expert, Winter 2009