tools for enforcement

New Inspector

The Number one Thing for New Inspectors

by Michael O'Brian on February 5, 2012

What Does Every Inspector Need to Know

One of the greatest tasks a senior inspector can do, is to mentor a new inspector in the business.  Lets face it, we were all new at one point, and literally had no clue what “THE CODE” was.  Some inspectors are hired and have no other existing internal staff to help them along or there is no overlap of new and old inspectors to ensure a proper transition.

As a new inspectors what is the number one thing you need to know?  I am not sure I can get the list down to one:

  • The code is not black and white!  The code is considered a prescriptive code and our worlds that we work in are changing daily.  Lets be realistic, a blocked exit is a blocked exit and the code handles that.  What happens when new technology emerges that is not address by the code?
  • Yes you can write the code!  The code is not developed in some vacuum in ICC or NFPA land.  Once you get your feet on the ground take time to understand the code process for both the NFPA and ICC.  Stay involved and comment on current code changes.  This will keep you on top of your game and aware of the changes.  Think of it this way, when a code is published (take the 2012 IBC), it is already a three year old document!
  • Build [click to continue…]

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Study: U.S. Behind World in Fire Prevention

by Michael O'Brian on October 20, 2009

Study: U.S. Behind World in Fire Prevention

A Special Post BY ED BALLAM courtesy of Firehouse.com News

Fire officials in the State of Guanajuato in Mexico have a belief that the best fire department isn’t the one that responds to the most calls. Rather, it’s the one that prevents the most fire.

A new “best practices” report shows virtually the entire world does a far better job at reducing fire causalities than the United States by as much as 50 percent in some cases.

The final installment of a three-year study examining how 10 nations handle fire prevention in their countries was recently released. The report, commissioned by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was researched and written by System Planning Corporation’s TriData Division in Arlington, Va. The principal researcher was TriData’s president Philip Schaenman.

“It’s not that other nations are [click to continue…]

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Trailer City

by Michael O'Brian on January 25, 2009

Checklist Requirements for Temporary Structures

Construction projects typically requires temporary work space.  Larger projects may need an entire “trailer city” of  work space or sales area to meet the needs of the Construction Management and sales team.  Work trailers and site storage seem to be found on projects for single family homes up to billion dollar projects.

On larger projects, the area for these units seems to expand due to the need of the various contractors.   The trailers typically come in and out based on the phase of construction.  For instance the trailer utilized by the structural steal contractor may leave after the building is erected and the space may be reoccupied by the fire suppression contractor. [click to continue…]

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What tools do you need?

by Michael O'Brian on July 17, 2008

tape mesureAs an inspector what tools do you need to do your job in the field?  I can envision us trying to carry a tool box full of tools and equipment to do our job.  As inspectors we rely on contractors and business owners to provide lifts, ladders, access to equipment or even equipment to test systems.  There is certain equipment that inspectors must bring with them to perform their job.  The following are some items that come to mind although I am certain that members of this community will provide insight on their tools of choice (feel free to comment in our discussion forums or add to the post by submitting a comment).

Clipboard, or some means to carry notices and a place to keep your notes.  An inspector doesn’t have to have the answer on hand during the inspection.  It is not uncommon for us to take notes or sketch a scenario and return to the office to look up the issue at hand.  I prefer a leather portfolio or a thin metal clipboard.  They can hold business cards, stickers, violation notices, an extra pen, or various forms.  I also have secured a business card to the clipboard because I have been known to leave it behind at times.

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Know your role

by Michael O'Brian on February 2, 2008

icodes NEC 2008NFPA

There are many types of inspectors that can provide enforcement in the community.  The requirement for inspector titles may come from the adopted code or statutory requirements.  Each inspector plays a critical role in ensuring safety during the building process and through the life of the building.  It is critical that we know what each person’s position is responsible for.  Secondly by understanding each role we can better coordinate our inspections and look for areas that require coordination.   Let’s look at some examples;

 Building Official:  The building official is the primary official based on the building code.  Section 103.2 of the International Building Code is the basis for the creation of the position which is appointed by the municipalities unit of government.  The code allows for the appointment of deputies and inspectors as necessary to enforce the provisions of the code.  Section 104 provides for the duties of the building official.  A key concept for the building official is that they are the Authority Having Jurisdiction for all matters of the code including enforcement and determining the ”intent” of the code. 

Fire Code Official:  Will be appointed the same as the building official (by the communities governmental body).  The FCO is the primary official for the fire prevention aspects including the enforcement of the adopted fire code.  Some jurisdictions may call these positions the fire inspector, fire marshal, chief inspector, or fire prevention specialist.  The fire code (section 103.2 of the IFC or section  ?). 

 Mechanical Inspector:  Is responsible for the provisions of the adopted Mechanical Code.  As air handling and energy efficiency becomes more prevalent, this position becomes a critical component of the team.  The position will cover items such as air handling, systems piping, gas piping, air conditioning, and other ventilation concerns. 

Plumbing Inspector:  Is the official who ensure that the water and sewer systems are appropriate.  This includes proper installation of sinks, toilets, water lines, back-flow prevention devices, and the associated sewer and drainage.

Electrical Inspector:  Have you seen the new NEC 2008?  This is a code that stands by itself.  The electrical inspector may be a master electrician with many years of experience.  The responsibilities include low voltage systems, building power, building services, and back-up generators. 

Plan Reviewer:  This is one of the most critical positions to ensure a project goes smooth.  The reviewer can be the inspector, building official, fire marshal, or it’s own position.  The plan reviewer is responsible for ensuring code compliance before a foundation is dug or a steel is raised.  The plan reviewer is charged with reviewing documents that are prepared by a design professional and ensuring the provisions of the code are meet.  Prior to conducting any inspection the plan review must be complete and the permit issued.   

 Understanding and cross training of each role is critical for overall project success.  Our project sites require multiple, coordinated visits by each inspector.  Electrical inspector may need to inspect the location an connection of conduit installed in a new building.  If the conduit (an electrical code requirement) penetrates the two hour fire wall (building or fire code issue) then, the inspector must ensure the provisions of another code are meet. 

 Permitted projects are the beginning of a new customer (building occupant and owner) for our community.  If inspectors continue to build relationships across enforcement lines our customers will have a safer building and a greater understanding of codes and standards.  If the electrical inspector does not mention the need for appropriate fire stopping in the above scenario, it would be identified by the building or fire inspector.  Once the issue is identified the contractor must remedy the situation and a reinspection is necessary.  Studying the codes utilized by other inspectors can assist in providing complete timely and efficient inspections which result in less delays and greater safety during the building process 

 When is it okay for the inspector to enforce another code?  Does coordinating inspectors create any value during the inspection process? 

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How to Read the Code

by Michael O'Brian on January 17, 2008

I have watched many inspectors who are intimidated by the “code” book and choose to ignore it in lieu of attempting to understand it. I have said many times that it takes inspectors around three years to start asking the right questions and another two years to know where to go to get the answers. Many times this is by developing systems and processes that help you find what you are looking for (or by asking someone for advice).

So let’s start with the basics. As an inspector I can only legally enforce the codes and standards that are referenced by the code we adopted. If our state has a state wide building code, then the document utilized as the building code would be our starting point. If my community has adopted NFPA 1 as the fire prevention code, then that is our adopted code. The standards that are referenced in the appendix or administration chapters are only enforceable to the extent that it was referenced by the adopted code.

For instance, the International Fire Code 2006 references NFPA 101 The Life Safety Code in section 1025.6.2 (Smoke Proof Seating). The reference is only for the section in NFPA 101 on a life safety evaluation. This does not imply the entire life safety code is up for grabs (from a legal standpoint). In my community we have adopted the IFC 2006 and many times I will refer to NFPA 1, 101 or other non-adopted documents to help me enforce our code (gain additional information or alternatives). Now that we know what the “code” is, getting around the book can take some time. All inspectors should memorize the general layout.

When I say memorize I only talk about the general layout (do not memorize code, it will give you a headache). Take NFPA 13, The Standard for Automatic Sprinkler Systems (2007 edition). The standard has a basic flair to it (just like NFPA has set all new standards to do). The beginning three chapters are administrative, scope, definitions and reference standards. Then you get into the meat and potatoes. The front chapters are setup for system components (piping, sprinklers, valves, etc…). Then the chapters turn toward design (general and specific). If I am looking for information on sprinkler obstructions I would go to the chapter specific to sprinklers.

Just flipping pages in a code book to find your section is not the place to start. If you are looking for something specific go to the index of the code or standard. If you are going to look at a wider range of items, go to the table of contents. This starts you in the correct manner of reading code. Let’s take the question about sprinkler obstructions. Going to the index and looking up sprinkler can lead us on several goose chases (lots of flipping pages and not finding what I am looking for). If I know the sprinkler is a standard upright, go to the table of contents and look up sprinklers, then standard upright. It will narrow my path and get me to my answer sooner.

Like anything else code administration takes time and patience. Develop a system which works for you so you can get your answers quickly without memorizing the codes.

Do you have code questions, visit our discussion forums and ask all the questions you want (for free)!

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License to Drive

by Michael O'Brian on January 8, 2008

license to drive the codeSo you start a new business and it is very successful or maybe you are a doctor and have a successful practice.  When did they ever teach you about the fire code or the requirements found in the building code that affect your office, plant, or warehouse?  That wasn’t included in the MBA, PhD, or even the building management courses?

 tickets are badSometimes as inspectors we have to interact with the owner or occupant of the building who’s background is not in construction.  That means our terminology, requirements, and resources may not work well.   It was explained to me (as a little inspector) that people learn about the fire code the same way they learn about the motor vehicle code (how do you know what speeding is).  By a police officer typically telling them they broke the law with a ticket. 

This is similar in the administration of building and fire codes.  Contractors, owners, design professionals are not well versed in the code.  They learn as communities enforce the code and “catch” them doing work in violation of the code.  As it relates to code enforcement of our adopted codes it is an option for many of us to issue tickets (although it is a last resort).  Our attempts are typically through education of the owner on what the hazards are as a building owner or occupant.  That means one way to gain compliance is through education of the public.  Studies have shown that adults retain and learn information better through self realization.

 I have seen inspectors many times ask the occupant how do you get out of this space if locks on doors are badthere was a fire?  This question is compounded because there was a pad lock on a marked exit.  The occupant responded with hold on one minute and I will go and get the key.  The bright light came on and the lock was never seen again.  This is one method in attempting to gain compliance.  As an inspector we must look for ways to motivate people and look to gain compliance in many different ways.  The best way is to have the occupant become our eyes and ears on code issues and fix them as they come up (accomplished typically be education).

Video from Plano Texas on building inspection

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