Fire Inspection and�Code Enforcement
8th Edition�Inspector I
Chapter 15 — Plans Review and �Field Verification
�Learning Objective 1
Recognize the need for a plans review.
15–1
AHJ establishes a plans review and permitting process.
15–2
Involves representatives of the building and fire departments and other agencies
Members of the zoning department may also review plans to verify they meet zoning requirements
AHJ establishes and administers the plans review and permitting process.
15–3
Architectural Design Concept
Planning and Zoning Review
Site/Civil Engineering
Complete Architectural Design
Design Process
(Cont.)
AHJ establishes and administers the plans review and permitting process.
15–4
Submittal
Review
Corrections
Approval
Permitting Process
(Cont.)
AHJ establishes and administers the plans review and permitting process.
15–5
Construction
Final Inspection/Certificate of Occupancy
Construction Process
Building department plans examiners include specialists in design and installation.
15–6
Electrical
Plumbing
Structural
Mechanical (HVAC)
Fire department plans examiners receive additional training.
15–7
Fire protection systems
Sprinklers
Standpipes
Fire detection and alarm devices
Fire and life safety requirements of the locally adopted codes
Inspectors are responsible for verifying activities and permits.
15–8
Make sure construction activities conform with what was approved by plans examiner
Verify permit documents
Be familiar with the plans review and permitting processes
In some jurisdictions, the inspector who reviews plans may be responsible for field verification.
15–9
This method is most efficient because the reviewer is very familiar with the code requirements for the project
Can also cause problems because there is only one person looking at the documents
Develop a good working relationship with the plans examiner.
15–10
Get an orientation on the project
Review any areas that may be confusing or require particular care during inspection
(Cont.)
Develop a good working relationship with the plans examiner.
15–11
Verify contractor/owner statements about altered plans, materials, or requirements
Inspectors must not accept this statement as fact unless proper verification is made with an appropriate building or fire official
A team approach also helps to prevent owner/occupant or contractor from
Policies established by the AHJ will dictate procedures for accepting field changes.
15–12
May not have authority to approve or make any changes to approved plans
Authority to approve changes may rest solely with the fire marshal or building official
Recognize when unapproved changes have been made
Determine whether construction should be stopped
REVIEW QUESTION
What is the role of the Fire Inspector I in the plans review and permitting process?
15–13
Be familiar with the benefits of plans review.
15–14
Main reason construction permits and plans review are required is community safety
Building design and construction affect several things
The plans review process enables reviewers to verify or improve construction standards.
15–15
Enforcement protects public from shoddy construction and inferior workmanship
Ensures methods conform to existing infrastructure and other off-site considerations
The plans review process enables reviewers to verify or improve firefighter and responder safety.
15–16
Information learned in the areas of building remodeling and renovation improves safety
Permits ensure firefighters and emergency responders do not face unknown and potentially dangerous structural conditions
The plans review process enables reviewers to have input in the design process.
15–17
Verify fire code requirements are met for many variables
The plans review process enables reviewers to verify or improve information about construction projects.
15–18
Useful for preincident planning
Provides ongoing information on evolving construction technology
The plans review process provides an opportunity to correct errors.
15–19
Enables plans examiners to discover any errors or omissions in a building plan
Corrections to fire and life safety issues before construction begins, ultimately saves money and time
REVIEW QUESTION
What is the main reason local governments require a plans review?
15–20
�Learning Objective 2
Identify actions an inspector should take during a plans review.
15–21
During construction, an inspector should visit the site often for two reasons.
15–22
1. To verify each code requirement is being met based on the approved plan
(Cont.)
During construction, an inspector should visit the site often for two reasons.
15–23
2. To verify fire and life safety requirements needed during construction are met
Know what requirements inspectors need to comply with on construction sites.
15–24
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations or locally adopted requirements for the use of personal protective clothing and equipment
Know what actions an inspector should perform at a construction site.
15–25
Check in with the general contractor, project manager, or superintendent before entering
Explain the specific items or activities that must be verified
Compare approved construction plans kept on site with the ones maintained by the building or fire prevention office
Use a checklist to record items as they are inspected
(Cont.)
Know what actions an inspector should perform at a construction site.
15–26
Notify the general contractor when violations are found and verify corrections are made
Depending on the jurisdiction's fire code, construction may not resume until violations are corrected
Develop a report noting items inspected
Contact the general contractor or other responsible party before leaving the site
Understand the importance of thorough record keeping.
15–27
Accurate and complete records establish the basis for all future inspections of the building
Records may be required for use in any legal actions
Occupants and their belongings may remain in the building during construction.
15–28
Their possessions, in addition to accumulated debris, construction materials, and equipment can increase the fire load
Verify all means of egress are clear
Fire detection or alarm systems should remain intact for the duration of construction
If a system will be nonfunctional for any length of time, a fire watch should be posted
NOTE
The same precautions should be followed for renovations.
15–29
Documents should be submitted in a professional and uniform manner.
15–30
Building plans
Construction drawings
Support documents
(Cont.)
Documents should be submitted in a professional and uniform manner.
15–31
AHJ usually establishes exact manner in which plans must be submitted
Local ordinances may require that a registered design professional submit plans
Plans submitted to an AHJ are official documents
Sketches, incomplete drawings or plans, or documents with inaccurate calculations are unacceptable
Become familiar with abbreviations and symbols used on construction drawings.
15–32
Increase the efficiency with which drawings convey information
Reduce the clutter that would result from describing every detail
A large number of abbreviations can be used on construction drawings
It is not necessary to memorize all of them
Be familiar with some of the more commonly used abbreviations and symbols
(Cont.)
Become familiar with abbreviations and symbols used on construction drawings.
15–33
(Cont.)
Become familiar with abbreviations and symbols used on construction drawings.
15–34
REVIEW QUESTION
Why should an inspector visit the site often during construction?
15–35
�Summary
15–36
(Cont.)
�Summary
15–37
(Cont.)
�Summary
15–38