There are times that fire protection features, egress doors, fire hydrants, and even exit signs get modified to become more attractive to the owner. I may be a little odd, but I think a well lit exit sign looks great in a store!
For those of you who are not suppression inspectors, the picture shows a remote fire department connection. A remote FDC is typically installed in downtown settings, west coast (warmer climates), and where a designer or AHJ feels these are more applicable to the fire protection scheme.
There are times construction projects lead to changes in the egress system. Proper marking of an approved “exit” is critical to ensuring occupant safety in the occupied building. Take a look at the following picture [click to continue…]
Inspectors are becoming quickly over worked and rely on qualified contractors to complete system maintenance, inspection, and repair. The AHJ relies on reports provided by contractors (system experts) which should state the system meets the minimum code requirements.
The pictures below are provided from one of Inspector report subscribers. Its important that we set up these pictures. The art work and other decorations are hung to the wall. The decorations are located in an exhibit hall on one of the exit cooridoors located in the building.
The building is provided with automatic sprinkler system and you can see the doors are held open with hold open devices that are connected to [click to continue…]
Multiple inspectors are challenged with systems that pass thru a fire separation or fire wall. This can be the fire inspector looking at a fire sprinkler pipe which passes thru a 1.o hour fire separation or the Plumbing Inspector who is looking at a water filled pipe. The common practices is to plaster red caulk through out the space until the void is filled.
Do electrical systems require clearance and separation from other building systems? Is this a requirement of the fire code, electrical code, plumbing code, or the building code?
Which inspector is required to ensure clearance to electrical equipment is maintained at all times? Could it be the plumbing or the electrical inspector? What if all inspectors understand the proper installations to ensure a smooth project? I know the code world can seem complex, but what about the picture shown below? [click to continue…]
Fire Safety during live performance is critical to occupant safety. This includes proper training of participants, crowd control, and stage staff. During a recent show of comedian Mike Birbiglia a fire started in the theatrical lighting above the stage in the fly area.
The fire is in a theatre which is at capacity. Part way through his act a person in the audience notices something wrong with the lighting assembly (a light on fire). The stage hands lower the rigging and put out the electrical fire, by unplugging the unit and the show goes on, so to meet your favorite question does this meet code (its our first video entry)?
Many items in a building require routine inspection and maintenance. The most basic inspection is the visual inspection where elements are reviewed to ensure compliance with the code or installation instructions. Model codes such as NFPA 1, the Uniform Fire Code or the International Building Code have requirements for occupants to conduct visual inspections on fire separations and walls.
A recent winter storm in the Midwest has brought a unique condition to the inspection business. An Inspector should always look at the exterior of the building and ensure doors can open easily. Although inspectors can not be at every business all the time. Education of occupants and owners is critical
Maybe this single picture does not give the item justice. Lets take a look after a [click to continue…]
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