I'd say the letter is the first step- to the pastor or building committee chair, someone OTHER THAN the supt refusing the work. Note that they'll be ripping open the work to install sprinklers inside it if relevant to the construction type and materials. Note it is a code requirement and required for life safety as well as property protection. Prolly good to bring up the N word, N E G L I G E N C E if anyone is ever hurt, since they've been advised they are ignoring the code. Possibly better to add this verbally when telling them about the letter, either before you send (possibly negating the reason for it if they cave) or as a follow up to confirm it was received, understood, and then mention the downside- added cost and/or Negligence. You'll prolly sound badge-heavy if you put Negligence in the letter, although it depends on your perception of the client. Noting that no A Certificate could be turned over would be sufficient hammer- hopefully.
Your call to the AHJ- fine line to walk. If you know em, have a rapport with em, make the call. If you don't know em from Adam, he may be best friends with the supt and you've shot yourself in the foot. We got a call from a strip center owner who we've worked for off and on over the years. Seems the pump and tank were abandoned 10 years ago just before he bought the place, and a new waterline was run into the back of the building. However, no BFPs were installed, WFS were built but not wired, and the service was never switched over. Yes, 100,000 SF of dumpy strip center was left unprotected for a decade. Yes, in the state that was first with the IRC mandate, evidently no one in Harrisburg has seen NFPA 25. Anyway, it came to light when a competitor went in to move heads for a new tenant, and the system was off. In addition to calling the Owner, he called the BCO (AHJ) who gave the Owner 48 hrs to cease operating the center. A little tough with a dozen stores in operation! We were given the job, he certainly wasn't going to call the guy that turned him in hoping since he was there and the AHJ gave em a short time period to start repairs, he'd get the job. Doesn't get that cold up here. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Eric Tysinger Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 10:22 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Owner refusal A quick little heads up call to the AHJ/Inspector before the inspection does wonders for situations like that. Thanks, Eric Tysinger CET NICET III - 108988 Designer Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. 4370 Motorsport Drive Concord, NC 28027 p: (704)782-3032 x1751 f: (704)795-6838 C: (239)633-9703 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Todd - FPDC Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2010 10:01 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Owner refusal I just coming from a church project where they added an 8 x 16 wooden canopy at the main entry. The project super (and also church member) has adamantly refused to install sprinklers even though they are required. I have told him that they are needed by Code, buy he remains defiant. I assume that the AHJ would pick up on it during final inspection, but can't count on it. My plan is to write a letter to the church (my client) stating that protection is required by Code and is my best advice, but if they choose not to, I am not responsible for the consequences. How have others handled similar situations? The inspection for CO is schedules for Friday. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
