QA/QC Mechanical Engineer in the filed of construction

[bluenote49]

First, I would like to introduce myself as CJ Miranda aspiring to be a QA/QC Mechanical Engineer in the field of MEP works having a degree of B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. I graduated a year ago and applied for a position as a QA/QC Mechanical Inspector for a construction company as my stepping stone. Fortunately I was accepted and have been working now for more than a year with the company. As of present I'am handling all mechanical works in a Hospital Construction Project which includes HVAC, PLUMBING, FIRE FIGHTING, MEDICAL GAS and BOILER. While I'm very thankful and appreciative with my job, I feel like I'm not gaining any knowledge in my work and it make me feel unfulfilled. To make it worst I've been doing extra reading to add knowledge but unfortunately it confuses me more since there is so much standards out there and I don't know which one to study thoroughly.

Now my question is, as a mechanical Engineer in the field of Construction (MEP) what is the best guideline to study and follow in order for me to be a good engineer in my line of work. Can someone give an idea or outline in where should I start. Which books or personal reference would you recommend for the following:

In HVAC? /Should I start on Ashrae or smacna first?
In Medical Gas?/ which handbook?
In Plumbing?/ Which handbook?
In Fire Fighting?/ Which handbook?

By the way I also want to improved my knowledge in designing this systems. Would any recommend the best handbooks or manual for each.

I'm sorry if i'm asking to much but if you cannot give a definite answer please jut provide a guideline on which where should I start.
Thanks in advance.

 

[cdxx139]

If your the QA QC engineer, request to be available during system startups (done by the manufacturer tech, with installing contractor). And buddy up with him, they will be a wealth of knowledge. On that note, most manufacturer websites are a wealth of knowledge too for how to design around their equipment.

Talk to the installing contractors, they are also a wealth of knowledge.

Read the specifications, they will point you to specific standards and hopefully sections that it needs to meet, so your not over the place.

For HVAC start with Smacna, to relate to your job directly. It will tell you how many duct hangars are needed etc. Youll be looking at ASHRAE handbooks for the rest of your life. Start with Applications, I believe they have a Hospital section.

I would love to find a design guide for medical gasses to, so hopefully you will get an answer from somebody.

Plumbing would be ASPE handbooks.

Fire protection is an NFPA standard, 13 I believe. but its thicker than the bible, so start with "primers" online.

knowledge is power

 

[VerneE]

The ASPE Handbook has an excellent section on Medical Gases. That handbook will cover everything needed for piping and process piping for non-chemical plants and refineries.

 

[Drazen]

i am surprised that you feel that way in hospital projects, hospitals are best imaginable "schools" for mep field.

if you want reference book, read ashrae fundamentals, systems, and equipment handbooks. if you will do reading while working, it will take you year to year and a half of careful reading with aim to understand most of the matter.

the other absolutely best sources are - design documents of your hospital systems.

you have invaluable opportunity to study documents, and than see all of that in reality.

 

[dynamo78]

Hey Bluenote! You cant go wrong with the ASHRAE/SMACNA standards as a foundation then go for the local code and for plumbing go for the International plumbing code, Int'l mechanical code, Int'l fuel gas code and of course go for the local code.I did work as a QC too for a military facility and you are right, eventually you get bored(obviously, BSME is over qualified for the position,incidentally, I am a BSME too,XD) but its a good foundation when you start designing systems.

Good Luck Bro!!