I have a couple questions that pertain to the roles and responsibilities of a water-based inspector.
1st Question: Should an inspector inspect water-based systems outside the requirements of NFPA 25? For example, NFPA 25 has no dialogue about 3-way shutoff valves for gauges. However, NFPA 13 (2013) clearly defines the requirement of such: NFPA 13 (2013) 8.17.3.2 Each gauge connection shall be equipped with a shutoff valve and provisions for draining. Therefore, if a 3-way shutoff valve is missing from installation, does this justify a non-compliant tag on the sprinkler riser and correction actions items identified to the owner(s)? 2nd Question: If there is a gap between my sprinkler head and the ceiling membrane, does this require a non-compliant tag on the riser. NFPA 101 outlines this as a smoke partition/barrier issue. NFPA 101 states: NFPA 101 (2000) - 8.2.4 Smoke Partitions. 8.2.4.1 Where required elsewhere in this Code, smoke partitions shall be provided to limit the transfer of smoke. 8.2.4.2 Smoke partitions shall extend from the floor to the underside of the floor or roof deck above, through any concealed spaces, such as those above suspended ceilings, and through interstitial structural and technical spaces. Exception:* Smoke partitions shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of a monolithic or suspended ceiling system where the following conditions are met: (a) The ceiling system forms a continuous membrane. (b) A smoketight joint is provided between the top of the smoke partition and the bottom of the suspended ceiling. (c) The space above the ceiling is not used as a plenum. Again, NFPA 25 does not identify this as a deficiency. Should this be justified as non-compliant deficiency? I do understand the role and responsibility of an inspection does not include the design of a water-based systems or of building code. However, when faced with a deficiency from installation (from other codes), should it not be identified and corrected under the inspection and testing of a water-based system? I look forward to your feedback and thoughts. Best Regards, John Allen, CET, CFPS President AFS: Allen Fire & Security Your Safety is Our Success Direct: 770.715.7261 | Office: 770.723.7280 Ext 2 | Fax: 678.894.4180 Please consider the environment before printing this email This email contains proprietary and confidential material for the sole use of the intended recipient and is the sole property of AFS. Any review, use, distribution or disclosure by others without the permission of the sender is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to receive for the recipient), please contact the sender by reply email and delete all copies of the message. _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
