Requirements for keeping Existing FA operational during construction? 1

[batman2010]

Does anybody know if during construction (complete electrical, mechanical, structural and FA renovations) the existing FA system can be disabled for a period of time until construction and new FA system is complete? I am working on a site for the government in Florida and the construction guys had to turn off existing FA system to complete the work, can they do this?

 

[cdafd]

not a good idea, but would say depends on alot of variables

sprinkled builsing?

is it occupied during the const?

is the building totaly gutted or almost?

single story multi story?

what does the contract say?

waht does uncle sam say?

ETC

 

[batman2010]

Building is not occupied during construction (only construction workers), it is a two story building. The question is it against the code to shut off FA System operation during construction?

 

[cdafd]

Are you asking the question as a person who wants to disable the system, or has someone disabled the system and you want to know if that is the right thing to do??


once again it is not a good idea to disable a fire alarm system.

and to give you an answer, there are to many variables.

Plus, the answer needs to come from who ever has jurisdiction over the building.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

Batman, i have wondered about this one as well. My favorite situation is when you walk in and the alarm guys have jammed a screw driver in to the water flow switch on the riser to keep it from dumping when they drain down the system. It gets even better when they forget to remove the screw driver when the job is done, and 3 monnths later when the fire occurrs, no water flow alarm. But, i digress. As noted, keeping these things in place is critical, but there are times when its unavoidable during TI or construction. I would say you have to look at the hazard, the fire loading, are people present, and make some decisions. Mitigation by security guards doing hourly rounds, etc is something to consider. Then approach the ahj and give them your game plan. If you make a good case, and do everything you can to reduce the hazard to people and property, they will likely buy off on it. They key is to keep the contractors working hard, 2 shifts if possible, and get the systems up asap. You may also want to call their property insurance carrier, because they will want to know when any systems (alarms, sprinklers, etc) are impaired. Hope this helps. Come back and answer some questions as well.

 

[batman2010]

Thank you guys for the feedback, they already shut down the system and I am trying to coordinate with the owner since they are coming back at me. My only excuse that if it is not a code issue to disable the FA system!

 

[cdafd]

You say government is this a city state or federal building???


Depends on the code adopted and the ahj

901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed.




901.8 Removal of or tampering with equipment. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, tamper with or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant, fire detection and alarm system, fire suppression system, or other fire appliance required by this code except for the purpose of extinguishing fire, training purposes, recharging or making necessary repairs, or when approved by the fire code official.


901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.

901.7.1 Impairment coordinator. The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this section. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner shall be considered the impairment coordinator.
901.7.2 Tag required. A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or portion thereof, has been removed from service.
901.7.3 Placement of tag. The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service. The fire code official shall specify where the tag is to be placed.
901.7.4 Preplanned impairment programs. Preplanned impairments shall be authorized by the impairment coordinator. Before authorization is given, a designated individual shall be responsible for verifying that all of the following procedures have been implemented:
1. The extent and expected duration of the impairment have been determined.
2. The areas or buildings involved have been inspected and the increased risks determined.
3. Recommendations have been submitted to management or building owner/manager.
4. The fire department has been notified.
5. The insurance carrier, the alarm company, building owner/manager, and other authorities having jurisdiction have been notified.
6. The supervisors in the areas to be affected have been notified.
7. A tag impairment system has been implemented.