Case in point. Townhouse project. Developer could have gone VA construction and skipped suppression. However after discussing the options voluntarily went the suppression route. Well it was a fiasco, sprinkler contractor held up the job, from framing inspection to final inspection. Why because they just couldn't get the work done at the same pace as the other trades. I had to actually make phone calls to the sprinkler contractor pleading that they get crews out there since we were the ones that supported suppression. In the end it got done unfortunately the developer later remarked "never again". It is what it is and I'm sure there were a thousand excuses. But excuses don't cut it and frankly no one wants to hear it when the other trades are keeping up with the schedule.
The reality is that fire protection has got to be affordable, efficient and timely. Yours in Life Safety, John Drucker Fire Protection Subcode Official (AHJ) Fire/Building/Electrical Inspector -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Greenman Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 11:16 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: ICC Version of 13d In Washington any plumber can install a sprinkler system as long as he has a sprinkler contractor license at the proper level for the type of work he wants to do, has a certified designer per Washington statutes in responsible charge, and has a sprinkler contractors bond. Oops, that makes him a sprinkler company also. By the time they get this far their also aware of the difference in insurance rates and then the "Do you feel lucky?" quote in the other posting kicks in. And it's usually the designer that's going to make or break the deal. We have made getting a design certificate for SFDs accessible for plumbers but but by the time they have someone on staff, and they have to have someone registered as a full-time certificate holder on staff (although you can use freelance designers you still need at least one certified employee), they pretty much have a clue. I've heard a lot of whining about the shortage of qualified designers, managers, installers, technicians, etc. and very little activity to solve the problem. Let's say mandatory sprinklering of ALL new housing makes it into the I codes next cycle. Then let's say your state adopts those codes. That means the mandate will be coming to a town near you in two years. Are all you commercial companies ready to pick up a lot of residential work. Are you guys doing mostly residential ready for the increased workload? Are we prepared at all? Do we even have a clue what this means? I'm thinking qualified plumbers may all of a sudden be the industry's best friend. On Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 7:22 AM, Steve Kowkabany <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I think it's a good idea. I know there is some frustration that the > sprinkler industry has fought so hard to make sprinklers mandatory in one > and two family homes, only to see technology and other simplifications > likely make it possible for the plumbing industry to actually install the > systems when that time comes. The PEX system manufacturers will design a > combination system for you given a home's floorplan which a licensed plumber > can install. These prescriptive rules Michael described will extend that > capability. > > If we as an industry really do want sprinklers to be mandatorily installed > in every new home, then we will probably have to live with the fact that > plumbers will be able to do it also - provided that can be done safely. It > sounds like a move in the right direction. > > Have a good weekend, > > Steve Kowkabany, P.E. > Fire Protection Engineer > Neptune Fire Protection Engineering LLC > 616 Davis Street > Neptune Beach, FL 32266 > 904-652-4200 Phone > 904-212-0868 Fax > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael > O'Brian > Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 9:19 PM > To: SprinklerFORUM > Subject: ICC Version of 13d > > > > Okay Sprinkler Guys > > > > Today at the ICC code hearings the Plumbing Committee heard RP3 and RP8. > > > > See the code change here (scroll one or two changes down to RP3) > > > > http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/2007-08cycle/ProposedChanges/V2_RP1-8.pdf > > > > This is a code change which would give installation requirements for > multi-purpose piping for sprinkler systems in the body of the residential > code (a modified pipe schedule like system). RP3 passed and RP8 was denied. > Now this was the committee action and it may be debated on the final action > hearings in September. > > > > The code change only applies to multipurpose piping in one and two family > dwellings. It has many layers of built in safety. A designer would still > be allowed to utilize a 13d system and this really provides an option for > the user. > > > > I am just curious what you all think? I know as sprinkler designers we may > feel like we should not like this, but the intent is to make sprinkler > installation in homes as convenient as possible. > > > > (ps there was a floor amendment which clarified hangers and some other > issues) > > > > Michael O'Brian > > Code Savvy Consultants > > 313-618-6401 > > fax 313-557-0294 > > www.codesavvyconsultants.com > > www.inspector911.com > > > > ************************************ > > Checkout our partner website www.inspector911.com. It has free checklists, > > message boards, and lots of great information. Visit today and sign up for > the free newsletter > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sprinklerforum mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum > > To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) > > _______________________________________________ > Sprinklerforum mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum > > To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) > -- Ron Greenman at home.... _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
