I agree 100% with this statement. If a sprinkler goes off, insurance
companies and lawyers spend a lot of time finding out the last
person/company to touch that head.

Mike Hill


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
[email protected]
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:50 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: removing sprinkler on drop

I'll bet there would have been an "allegation of negligence" action against
the sprinkler contractor even if the sprinkler had been replaced. If the
sprinkler hadn't been relocated they would have gone after them for having
done work in the suite. Have you ever heard an owner say "don't worry we're
sure the sprinkler contractor wasn't at fault" after an accidental
discharge?

Ron F

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve
Leyton
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:29 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: removing sprinkler on drop

I was asked about 4 years ago to assist with a lawsuit as either a technical
consultant or designated expert that was focused on this exact issue.  The
case was over a sprinkler that discharged in a retail suite
that was being remodeled.   A sprinkler contractor had relocated a
sprinkler by wrenching out the drop with sprinkler intact, and reinstalling
it a couple feet away.  After they did the work, there were painters and
finishers working in the suite over a weekend.  Sunday night, the sprinkler
released and flooded the suite, wrecked the new
paint and drywall, etc., etc.   

Neither side could prove their points.  The sprinkie alleged that other
trades must have hit the pipe and the finishers and painters were using pads
and rollers on extensions, so that was a distinct possibility.
And there were teeth marks on the drop, but it wasn't possible to say
forensically and with certainty if they were made during the T.I. or
rough-in.  But, there was no way corroborate the fitter's affidavit that
he hadn't dropped, wrenched or mishandled the sprinkler.   No forensic
conclusions could be reached regarding the sprinkler, as certain parts were
missing and someone (a responding firefighter, allegedly) had badly damaged
the sprinkler.  The bottom line is that if the sprinkler had been new, there
would have been no allegation of negligence against the sprinkie.

Whatever sprinklers cost, this is the new price of tea in China folks.
Adjust prices and let's move on.

Steve 




-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Greg
McGahan
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:19 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: removing sprinkler on drop

H
ave we sufficient evidence that it is the reinstalled heads are the ones
accidently discharging?

It just seems like a waste to throw a 20 dollar head away because you have
to remove and reinstall.....or even a 3 dollar head.

We WILL comply with code, but I strongly disagree.

Greg



On Thu, Sep 5, 2013 at 10:54 AM, Todd - Work <[email protected]> wrote:

> I would think that the vast majority of problems in mis-handling 
> sprinklers in this manner come from premature actuation (especially 
> with glass bulb) and not failure to actuate in a fire. I would also 
> think that only in very rare circumstances would you lose a building 
> due to an accidental discharge of a sprinkler.
>
> Todd G Williams, PE
> Fire Protection Design/Consulting
> Stonington, CT
> www.fpdc.com
>
> On Sep 5, 2013, at 11:48 AM, "Cahill, Christopher" 
> <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> > "then it appears you can re-use sprinklers left in drops or sprigs"
>  Where does this appearance come from?  I don't see it in the Code, 
> Annex or Handbook.  Quite frankly, that is the only place that counts 
> in descending order of priority.
> >
> > I agree with Todd there is some judgment and risk tolerance.  I'm 
> > sure
> not 'buying' a building loss over what a <$10 device I my current
role.
>  When I was a contractor maybe we weren't perfect in this regard.  
> When I was an AHJ if asked - new, and lot of don't ask don't tell.
> >
> > Chris Cahill, PE*
> > Senior Fire Protection Engineer
> > Burns & McDonnell
> > 8201 Norman Center Drive
> > Bloomington, MN 55437
> > Phone:  952.656.3652
> > Fax:  952.229.2923
> > [email protected]
> > www.burnsmcd.com
> >
> > Proud to be one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For 
> > *Registered in: MN
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [email protected] [mailto:
> [email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark A.
> Sornsin, P.E.
> > Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:27 AM
> > To: [email protected]
> > Subject: RE: removing sprinkler on drop
> >
> > I would argue that this shouldn't be an argument as long as it is
> specified up-front.  If the owner or engineer says do not reinstall, 
> then don't argue, because if you win, it is your butt on the line 
> should the head fail.
> >
> > If this is a competitive bid situation or direct work with owner, 
> > with
> no c
> _______________________________________________
> Sprinklerforum mailing list
> [email protected]
>
> http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkl
> er.org
>



--
Greg McGahan
Living Water Fire Protection, LLC <http://www.livingwaterfp.com>
1160 McKenzie Road
Cantonment, FL 32533
850-937-1850
fax 850-937-1852
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