Richard M Ray PE Cybor Fire Protection Company
• Richard M. Ray, PE • Cybor Fire Protection Company • 5123 Thatcher Road • Downers Grove, IL 60515 • 630 810 1161 • 630 774 1616 cell • rmr@cyborfireprotection. com COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Disclaimer • Though I am an active member of the IL State Board of Professional Engineers, I am in no way speaking on their behalf nor representing the views and opinions of the Board. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
WARNING: COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
This Might Be a Bit DRY…… • PLEASE ask questions. • PLEASE stop me if this is like torture. • Blame Jay from Palatine!! (kidding) COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Fire Protection Technical Submissions • What is a technical submission? • What is a shop drawing (or layout document)? • Who is allowed to prepare each of these? • Look at the requirements of the IL PE Act • Look at the IL Fire Sprinkler Licensing Act COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
NOTE: • Technical Submission = Design Document • Shop Drawing = Layout Document COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
An Easy Way to Look at This Issue • Technical Submittals (or Design Documents) should be submitted BEFORE building permits are issues and are the responsibility of the Owner/Architect/Engineering team. • Shop Drawings (or Layout Documents) should be submitted by Licensed Sprinkler Contractors BEFORE system installation begins and are the responsibility of the Sprinkler Contractor. • So, what’s the big deal? ? ? • What could happen if, as an AHJ, you decide: “Technical Submittals? We don’t need no stinking Technical Submittals”? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
What is a Technical Submission? • This is defined by the IL PE Act. • Unfortunately, the Act is very general and defines Technical Submissions in broad terms unrelated specifically to Fire Protection. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
What is a Technical Submission? • Here is how the IL PE Act defines what a Technical Submission is: • Sec. 4. Definitions. As used in this Act: • (w) "Technical submissions" are the designs, drawings, and specifications which establish the scope and standard of quality for materials, workmanship, equipment, and systems. "Technical submissions" also includes, but are not limited to, studies, analyses, calculations, and other technical reports prepared in the course of the practice of professional engineering or under the direct supervision and responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer. • THAT IS ALL YOU GET! COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
What is a Technical Submission? • Key terms in that definition: • “establish the scope and standard of quality for materials, workmanship, equipment, and systems” • “prepared in the course of the practice of professional engineering” • “prepared under the direct supervision and responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer. ” COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Who Can Prepare a Technical Submission? • Per the PE Act: • Only a licensed “design professional” can prepare a technical submission. • (d) "Design professional" means an architect, structural engineer or professional engineer practicing in conformance with the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Who Can Prepare a Technical Submission? • Remember that stuff about direct supervision and responsible charge? The Act says: • (f) "Direct supervision/responsible charge" means work prepared under the control of a licensed professional engineer or that work as to which that professional engineer has detailed professional knowledge. • So, the design professional doesn’t have to “do the work” as long as they supervise the work and take responsible charge (responsibility for) the work. • The PE takes responsibility when he/she places their seal on the document. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Who Can Prepare a Technical Submission? • Sec. 15. Technical submissions. All technical submissions prepared by or under the personal supervision of a professional engineer shall bear that professional engineer's seal, signature, and license expiration date. The licensee's written signature and date of signing, along with the date of license expiration, shall be placed adjacent to the seal. Computer generated signatures are not permitted. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Who Can Prepare a Technical Submission? • All technical submissions intended for use in construction in the State of Illinois shall be prepared and administered in accordance with standards of reasonable professional skill and diligence. • Care shall be taken to reflect the requirements of State statutes and, where applicable, county and municipal ordinances in such documents. • In recognition that professional engineers are licensed for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, documents shall be of such quality and scope, and be so administered as to conform to professional standards. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Who Can Prepare a Technical Submission? • Can ANY PE prepare a fire protection technical submission? • The Act says: • (n) "Professional engineering" means the application of science to the design of engineering systems and facilities using the knowledge, skills, ability and professional judgment developed through professional engineering education, training and experience. • So, the Act says: practice in the field that you have “education, training and experience” in. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Who Can Prepare a Technical Submission? • Can an Architect do it? • Can a “Plumbing Engineer” do it? • Act says: must be a design professional (PE or Arch). • Act says: practice within ones EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE. • So……. . YOU make the call! • Its OK to question a PE’s “credentials”. • Don’t be afraid to bruise their ego. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Is a Technical Submission Really Required? • Per the IL PE Act: • (d) A building permit for a building that requires a fire suppression system shall not be issued without the submission of a technical submission prepared and sealed by a licensed design professional. • Though the Act is clear, many municipalities do not follow this requirement. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
• QUESTIONS SO FAR? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Let’s Move to Shop Drawings • What is a shop drawing and who makes them? • IL PE Act calls them “layout documents” and says: • Sec. 3. Application of the Act; Exemptions. (c) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent a fire sprinkler contractor licensed under the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act from providing fire protection system layout documents. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Let’s Move to Shop Drawings • IL PE Act continues: • "fire protection system layout documents" means layout drawings, catalog information on standard products, and other construction data that provide detail on the location of risers, cross mains, branch lines, sprinklers, piping per applicable standard, and hanger locations. Fire protection system layout documents serve as a guide for fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Let’s Move to Shop Drawings • That’s the same as the OSFM Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act: • "Fire protection system layout documents" means layout drawings, catalog information on standard products, and other construction data that provide detail on the location of risers, cross mains, branch lines, sprinklers, piping per applicable standard, and hanger locations. "Fire protection system layout documents" serve as a guide for fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system and continues: • and shall be based upon applicable standards pursuant to Section 30 of this Act. • NFPA Standards (13, 14, 20, 13 R, etc) COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
So, Who Makes Shop Drawings? • The PE Act says: • Fire protection system layout documents do not require an engineering seal if prepared by a technician who holds a valid NICET level 3 or 4 certification in fire protection technology, automatic sprinkler system layout. (now called Water Based System Layout). • The Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act says: • (j) All fire protection system layout documents of fire sprinkler systems, as defined in Section 10 of this Act, shall be prepared by (i) a professional engineer who is licensed under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, (ii) an architect who is licensed under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, or (iii) a holder of a valid NICET level 3 or 4 certification in fire protection technology automatic sprinkler system layout who is either licensed under this Act or employed by an organization licensed under this Act. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
What Else Is Said About Shop Drawings? • The IL PE Act says: • An authority having jurisdiction may not accept fire protection system layout documents in lieu of technical submissions. • Fire protection system layout documents may be submitted as supporting documents to supplement technical submissions. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Basically: • Both the IL PE Act & the OSFM Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act say: • The PE prepares the technical submission (or has direct supervision & responsible charge of it), and • The NICET III (or IV) prepares the shop drawing. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
• QUESTIONS SO FAR? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What Industry Says • The SFPE/NSPE “White Paper” • NSPE Position Statement No. 08 -1749 • SFPE/NSPE/NICET Joint Position on the Engineer and the Engineering Technician Designing Fire Protection Systems • Adopted: June 2008 - Latest Revision: July 2018 • FYI: NSPE created NICET COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What Industry Says • The White Paper defines the “division of labor”. • Legally, the practice of engineering is a responsibility that cannot be delegated to non-licensed engineers (individuals). The role of the technician is to understand the engineer’s design intent and help implement that design. • Engineers or technicians overstep their respective roles if they participate in aspects of design for which they are not qualified by education and/or experience (remember that one? ). COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What Industry Says • Continuing with the White Paper: • The Engineer’s responsibilities for the design include but are not limited to: • Evaluate the broad range of hazards and protection schemes required to develop a workable, integrated solution to a fire safety problem. • Prepare design documents for fire protection systems. • Just like we called “shop drawings” “layout documents”, the White Paper calls “technical submissions” “design documents”. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What Industry Says • Continuing from the White Paper: The Engineer’s responsibilities are: • Conceptual and detailed engineering documents • Hazard and risk analyses • Performance-based design analyses (alt to prescriped) • Integrated building systems analyses (interfaces) • Layout fire protection systems • Perform necessary calculations for all fire protection systems • Affix a professional stamp or seal with signature and date to documents prepared under the Engineer’s direct supervision and control. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What Industry Says • Continuing from the White Paper: • The Certified Technician: • The fire protection technician (hereinafter referred to as a “Technician”) is an individual who has achieved NICET Level III or IV certification in the appropriate subfield and who has the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to layout fire protection systems. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What Industry Says • Continuing from the White Paper: • the Technician is qualified to: • Perform the system layout in accordance with the Engineer’s design. • Prepare shop drawings and material submittals in accordance with the Engineer’s design. • Perform supplemental calculations and other functions based on the Engineer’s design. • Support the installation of fire protection systems. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What the Tasks of the PE and the Technician Are • The PE’s design document (technical submission) shall: • “establish the objectives and design criteria of the system” • “indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show that they conform to the provisions of relevant laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations” COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What the Tasks of the PE Are • Identification of the scope of work. • Identification of applicable codes and standards. • Ensure conformance with the applicable building code(s). • Identification of occupancy type and hazard classification. • Selection of type of system and components • Classification of the hazard and commodities to be protected • Establish the density/flow and design area size • Determine and confirm the available water supply COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What the Tasks of the PE Are • Preliminary system layout and hydraulic calculations to verify adequacy of proposed water supply arrangements. • Analysis to identify concerns regarding systems structural support. • Analysis to identify any concerns with water quality that would affect the proposed systems. • Based on this design criterion, the Engineer prepares and/or supervises the preparation of Design Documents. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Lets Talk About What the Tasks of the TECHNICIAN Are • The Technician develops working plans/Shop Drawings based upon the Design Documents, specified standards and manufacturer listings. • The detailed layout of risers, cross mains, branch lines, sprinklers, and hangers. • Determine the size of piping. • Furnishing of supplemental hydraulic calculations in accordance with the Design Documents, technical data sheets and details for the specific equipment being furnished for installation COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
NOTE: • Layout/Shop Drawings shall not be stamped or sealed by an Engineer unless the work is performed under their direct supervision and control. • The Engineer must review and approve the fire protection system installation Shop Drawings and submittals for compliance with the Design Documents. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
REPEATING • The Engineer prepares the Design Documents for fire protection systems. • The NICET III or IV Technician and/or the Engineer prepare Shop Drawings and appropriate supplemental calculations and perform other layout functions in accordance with the Engineer's design. • The Engineer is responsible for the original design review and approves the Shop Drawings and all of the Technician’s work for compliance with the Engineer’s design and specifications. • Note – this review does not necessitate sealing or stamping of the Shop Drawings with a P. E. stamp/seal if the work was not done under the Engineer's direct control or authority. This may instead take the form of a review letter. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE AHJ? • The Authority Having Jurisdiction is the individual or agency that has legal responsibility for reviewing the engineer’s design for conformance with local codes and regulations. • The AHJ is qualified to: • Review Design Documents for conformance with the local codes and regulations and any locally adopted amendments to same. • Review Layout/Shop Drawings and submittals for conformance with the local codes and regulations and any locally adopted amendments to same. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE AHJ? • That was all from the White Paper. The IL PE Act adds: • However, in the event the fire protection system layout documents materially alter the technical submissions, the authority having jurisdiction shall return both the fire protection layout documents and technical submissions to the licensed design professional for review. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Quick Recap • PEs (the right ones) make Technical Submissions • Technicians (the right ones) make Shop Drawings • The AHJ reviews both and if materially different, sends it all back to the PE. • YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO ISSUE A BUILDING PERMIT WITHOUT A TECHNICAL SUBMISSION. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
• QUESTIONS SO FAR? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
What Should a Technical Submission Include? • The stamp of a Licensed Design Professional (the RIGHT one). • Hazard analysis. • Water supply analysis (run preliminary calcs) – pump and/or tank? • Type of system (wet, dry, etc. ). • Structural concerns. • Water quality concerns (corrosion? MIC? ). • Any special components (pipe & fitting types). • Applicable codes & standards. • Local AHJ amendments to codes & standards. • Specific Owner requirements (insurer, concealers, no thinwall, etc. ). COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
What Should a Technical Submission Include? • IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A DRAWING! • NFPA standards tell the Technician how to make shop drawings once the PE does his job. • As long as the PE defines the OCCUPANCY & analyzes the WATER SUPPLY, NFPA tells the NICET technician the rest of the story (head type/spacing/pipe sizing, etc. ). COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Hydraulic Calculations Can Be a “Hang Up” • NFPA dictates the formula to be used (Hazen Williams). • P = ((Q/C)^1. 85) x L) / D^4. 87 • C factors are published by NFPA 13. • Internal pipe diameters (D) are published by manufacturers. • Pipe lengths (L) are easy to figure out – and equivalent lengths of fittings are dictated by NFPA 13. • Q comes from head spacing x density, or minimum end head pressure and K factor if specific application heads used. • It’s NOT rocket science but the PE’s input is needed for Q which is based on the hazard analysis. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Simple Technical Submission Example • • • Berry Yo 50 North Vail Arlington Heights, IL 05/09/2012 Design Data: Scope: Relocate and/or drop twenty-two (22) fire sprinkler heads, to be supplied by the existing outlets, to accommodate the new floor/ceiling plan. Please note no hydraulic calculations are included due to the fact that there is no increase in system demand nor reduction in the water supply due to this work. Occupancy Classification Ordinary Hazard Group II w/ Light Hazard seating area Coverage per Sprinkler 130 sq. ft. /225 sq. ft. Sprinkler K-Factor 5. 60 Sprinkler Information Reliable F 1 -56 Recessed Chrome Pendent Sprinkler SIN # RA 1314 COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Simple Technical Submission Example • Sprinkler Information Reliable F 1 -56 Brass Upright • Sprinkler SIN # RA 1325 • Sprinkler Thermal Sensitivity (all) Standard Response • Name of Contractor CYBOR FIRE PROTECTION FSC 0014 • PROFESSIONAL DESIGN FIRM #184. 005174 • Name of Designer Richard M. Ray • Address 5123 Thatcher Road, Downers Grove, IL • Authority Having Jurisdiction Village of Arlington Heights, IL COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Not So Simple Technical Submission Example Prepared by: Cybor Fire Protection Company IL Design Firm Registration #184. 005174 Richard M. Ray PE Project: Green Oaks Senior Living Address: 14595 West Rockland Road Green Oaks, IL Codes & Standards: 2012 IBC, 2012 IFC plus Libertyville Fire Protection District’s amendments to these codes (contractor to review at http: //www. libertyville. com/index. aspx? NID=227 also include any work necessary to comply with these amendments), and the requirements of the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (ILDPH) and the Village of Green Oaks • Applicable NFPA Standards: NFPA 13 (2010), NFPA 14 (2010), NFPA 20 (2010), for main building & free standing garages; NFPA 13 D (2010) for cottages; all as amended by the Village, the Libertyville Fire Protection District, and ILDPH. • • • COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Not So Simple Technical Submission Example • Fire Sprinkler protection level: NFPA 13 for main building & free standing garages, NFPA 13 D for cottages, ILDPH, Green Oaks, IL amendments & requirements, and Libertyville Fire Protection District’s amendments & requirements. Note that per the fire district, fire sprinkler protection will be required in all bath & toilet rooms and all closets regardless of size and/or use. Hydraulic calculations are to include a minimum of a 5 psi cushion between all systems’ demands and their supply. Systems are to be zoned by floor, and as per NFPA 13 and NFPA 14 – contractor to consult with Libertyville Fire Protection District; note that the footprint of the 1 st & 2 nd floors each exceeds 52, 000 square feet. The fire district desires that the control valves, flow switches, test & drain assemblies, etc. for the 2 nd and 3 rd floor sprinkler systems be located in the stairwells – the contractor shall coordinate the locations of the control valves, flow switches, test & drains, etc. for the 1 st floor systems with the fire district. Also note, that the Port Cochere shall be sprinklered per NFPA 13. The cottages are to be protected as per NFPA 13 D and all garages in the cottages are to be protected per the fire district’s amendments. Pendent sprinkler heads in all public areas with dropped or suspended ceilings shall be white concealed type. Sprinkler head types & finishes in all other areas shall be by as approved by the architect. Areas exempt from sprinkler protection are limited to locations noted in IFC 2012 903. 3. 1. 1. 1 items 1, 2, 5, and 6. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Not So Simple Technical Submission Example • Standpipe System: Wet, automatic Class I standpipe system per NFPA 14, equipped with 2 -1/2” fire hose valves and 2 -1/2”x 1 -1/2” reducers with caps & chains. One standpipe riser to be located in each of the one-hour rated stair enclosures: five standpipe risers in the five rated stair enclosures on floors 1 & 2; and three standpipe risers in the three rated stair enclosures on floor 3; all with the hose valves located at the intermediate floor landings. Also, two additional standpipe risers are to be installed: one on each side of the 2 -hour rated fire wall (which is near the center of the facility and separates the I-1 and R-2 occupancies from one another) with the 2 -1/2” hose valves located on floors 1 thru 3 as directed by the fire district in cabinets approved by the Architect and rated for the partitions in which they are installed. Also, though the stairs do not access the roof, hose connections will not be required on the roof level (contractor to verify this with the fire district). Residual pressure at hydraulically most remote standpipe to be 100 psi at a flow as dictated by NFPA 14. Control valves and water flow switches are required at the base of each standpipe riser; and the standpipe system is to be fed by its own riser in the sprinkler room. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Not So Simple Technical Submission Example • Pipe & Fitting Types: as allowed by NFPA 13 (for main building and stand-alone garages), NFPA 14 (for main building), NFPA 20 (for main building), and NFPA 13 D (for cottages), all as applicable and per product listings & approvals. • Fire Department Connection: 5” storz type on 30 degree body located on the exterior wall of the fire sprinkler room on the 1 st floor (removable 4”x 2 -1/2” Siamese fitting to be provided and left loose in sprinkler room). No landscaping or shrubs/trees to be located such as to impede access to the connection. Also, general contractor to provide a sidewalk from any paved area to the connection. A fire hydrant must be located within 150 feet of the fire department connection. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Not So Simple Technical Submission Example • Backflow Prevention: Village & water purveyor require a reduced pressure zone type device with a metered bypass – coordinate with Village & water purveyor. • Water Flow Data: as received from Lake County Public Works Department: • October 2014 • Route 176, 1 mile east of project • 64 psi static • 55 psi residual • 1240 gpm flow • Due to the fact that the above data is the nearest available data at this time, the fire sprinkler contractors shall verify the actual water flow available at the site prior to bidding and design. If the architect/engineer team is able to obtain more proximate data prior to the bidding and award process, such data will be provided; but as of now, this is unknown. • Fire Pump: To be installed per NFPA 20. Per the Village, the fire pump shall be sized to supply the fire sprinkler system demand, and/or the standpipe system demand whichever is greater. Also note that the Village will require a secondary, emergency/back-up power source for the fire pump – one acceptable method of achieving this requirement is to provide back-up power to the fire pump from the proposed emergency generator. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
So What is REALLY Important in a Technical Submission • Hazard Analysis – what is the intended occupancy? • System type – Wet? Dry? Etc. • Will we need standpipes (vertical or horizontal)? • These things determine the: • Water Supply – is the municipal supply enough or do we need: • A fire pump? • What about a tank? • WILL EMERGENCY POWER BE REQUIRED FOR THE FIRE PUMP? That’s a BIG BIG DEAL. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Emergency Power for a Pump • What does NFPA 20 say? • Its always required for a high rise building (over 75’ tall). • The need for a backup source of power is up to the AHJ. • The AHJ is to consider the “reliability” of the power supply in the area of the project. • The AHJ is to consider the frequency and duration of power interruptions in the area. • Some jurisdictions flat out require backup power on EVERY job with a fire pump. • The size of the generator needed can get very large – depending on the size of the fire pump. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Emergency Power for a Pump • The NEED for a fire pump is not a good “surprise” for an owner to get once permits are issued & work has begun. • Pumps themselves can cost $25 -$75 k. • And they need to be in a 1 hour rated room. • And need their own (often very large) electrical supply. • The NEED for emergency power is an even worse “surprise” for an owner to get. • Gen Sets can cost $100 -200 k (plus site modifications, LARGE natural gas services or areas to store diesel fuel). COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
So What Can Happen? • Unfortunately most municipalities do not enforce the IL PE Act and • Building permits are being issued without a Technical Submission relating to the Fire Protection system. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
So What Can Happen? • SO WHAT if building permits are being issued without a Technical Submission relating to the Fire Protection system? ? • Often, this leads to surprises for: • - the other trades • - the project architect & project engineers • - THE OWNER! • And, this may lead to design revisions and extra costs for the Owner. • Particularly water supply issues (pump? tank? ) and electrical issues (pump & emergency power). COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
A Recent Issue • Sprinkler Licensing Act says: • Sec. 15. Licensing requirements. • (j) All fire protection system layout documents of fire sprinkler systems, as defined in Section 10 of this Act, shall be prepared by (i) a professional engineer who is licensed under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, (ii) an architect who is licensed under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, or (iii) a holder of a valid NICET level 3 or 4 certification in fire protection technology automatic sprinkler system layout who is either licensed under this Act or employed by an organization licensed under this Act. • It doesn’t say “REVIEWED BY”…. . • AHJs are receiving plans PREPARED BY a NICET II (or even a I or a zero) but the plan says it was “reviewed by” Joe Smith, NICET III. • Does this comply with the Sprinkler Licensing Act? • If the person that PREPARED the plan is not a NICET III, my opinion is that the answer is no. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
• QUESTIONS SO FAR? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
A Recent Issue • What if a PE is involved with a shop drawing? • Recall PE’s can have “direct supervision & direct control” over the preparation of a technical submission (which COULD be a shop drawing), and then place his/her stamp on the document. • That’s ok per the IL PE Act. But the Sprinkler Licensing Act says “… shop drawings shall be prepared by and lists a PE, Arch, NICET III as acceptable people. • So does direct control & supervision allowed by the PE Act take precedence over the Sprinkler Licensing Act and nullify this? • If the person that PREPARED the plan is not a NICET III, I would think that the answer is no, even if a PE stamps it. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
A Recent Issue • Watch out who is preparing shop drawings. • Based on the Sprinkler Licensing Act, the person that PREPARES the drawing has to be a NICET III (or PE or Arch). • It doesn’t matter WHO “reviews” the drawing…. • A quote: The terms “prepared by” and “reviewed by” are certainly not synonymous. • Perhaps an official interpretation is needed and/or the Licensing Act needs to be revised to allow NICET IIIs or IVs to “review” the work of lower tier “technicians”. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
• QUESTIONS SO FAR? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
ENOUGH!!!! COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Recent Issues in the Sprinkler World • “Hot Yoga” & “Bed-bug mitigation” - most sprinkler heads operate at 155 F…. • Corrosion – this is getting worse & worse…… • Nitrogen generators…. . • Now vacuum systems for dry pipe? ? • What happened to the anti-MIC coatings? • Pipe just isn’t what it used to be. COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Recent Issues in the Sprinkler World • There’s a “new UL listed antifreeze” that’s good to -10 F • That’s only about 5 F better than we have now • Has its limitations on size of system (40 gal for NFPA 13 systems – that’s NEW), the occupancy it can be used to protect (LH, OH 1, OH 2 – that’s NEW too), no limit on size if 13 D and dwelling unit areas of 13 R. • CAREFUL: the cut sheets list a “pour point” of -16. 6 F…. who cares if it will “pour” out of the 2” hole in the bucket. WILL IT FLOW OUT OF A HALF INCH OR SMALLER SPRINKLER HEAD ORIFICE? ? ? • If it’s SLUSH at -11 F or colder, don’t you really have an IMPAIRED SYSTEM? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Recent Issues in the Sprinkler World • Relatively recent issue in the fire sprinkler industry: HVLS fans • HVLS = High Volume Low Speed fans • Becoming prevalent in manufacturing and warehousing occupancies • Often called Big Ass Fans • PROBLEMS: • - they can impact operation of sprinkler heads in two ways: • - push the hot air back down to the ground and delay operation, or • - push the hot air down which eventually rises again & opens up sprinkler heads nowhere near the fire (overtax water supply and increase water damage unnecessarily) COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
Recent Issues in the Sprinkler World • Un-controlled HVLS fans have opened over 90 sprinkler heads during fire testing. • NFPA’s response in 2013 was to now require: • - limit maximum fan diameter to 24 feet • - require fan to be installed centered between 4 sprinkler heads • - require a minimum 3 feet clearance below sprinkler heads • - require HVLS fan to be interlocked with fire sprinkler system water flow alarm switch to “immediately” shut down the fan upon water flow COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
END • QUESTIONS? COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
• Richard M. Ray, PE • Cybor Fire Protection Company • 5123 Thatcher Road • Downers Grove, IL 60515 • 630 810 1161 • 630 774 1616 cell • rmr@cyborfireprotection. com COPYRIGHT 2019 Cybor Fire Protection Co.
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