Surveying Advice 1

[VASPK]

I am looking to gather surveying advice for both existing construction and new construction. I will be training someone new to sprinklers soon and while I will pass on what knowledge I have gathered, I realize I don't know everything and could possibly learn something from you all as well. Please share any advice, tips and tricks you have learned over the years that may benefit new recruits to the field. If you know of any other resources please share that as well.

Thanks and I hope this will be a useful resource to others as well.

 

[LCREP]

The link is for firefighters but gives a ton of good information on fire protection from a Fire Department point of view.

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3256.pdf

Factory Mutual, FM, has a lot of resources you may want to review. The FM Data Sheets provide a lot of detail information,on property protection. They are free you just need to create an account.

https://www.fmglobal.com/research-and-resources/fm-global-data-sheets

 

[aaron johnson llc]

A great tool that I use for ensuring code compliance and looking up code reference info is UpCodes. They have free and functional code access to the IBC, the IFC, NFPA 13, NFPA 101.

 

[cdafd]

Do you occasionally go to the ahj, to see if they have any fire sprinkler plans, for the building??

Also,,,, please show them how to do a flow test,,, in case they meet with the ahj,,

And the ahj just witnesses the test,,, while you turn the wrench and get wet.


Have them identify inspector tests,, and maybe how to walk the exterior, to possibly identify where one or more may be located.

How to do an antifreeze solution test.

How a dry system works. How to shut a tripped one down, How to kill the air compressor.

How to work a drum drip, and make sure to drain them.

I know some of this is getting into maintenance, but more than likely relevant.

How to read a sprinkler markings, and look the information on them,,, online.

Just a few

 

[Danefre]

Some stuff off the top of my head:

Strategies really depend on the condition of the site. ACT throughout would be a different approach than wide open demo'd shell space.

1. If you have the existing plans - identify which plan to draw on depending on the progress of the project. Some projects it's better to layout on top of the Demo plan, some others on top of RCPs to identify any potential problems with full height walls.

2. Always measure column lines as those are your reference points.

3. Try to get Center to Center dimensions for heads/lines rather than distances of walls. For projects where you're retrofitting into existing 130 sqft spacing, it's important to identify any overspaced heads WHILE you're on site so you can confirm. Once you touch the system you own any existing overspaced heads.

4. Magnetic tape measure - very useful and can be used as a level bob in a pinch

5. Start off by getting Top of steel measurements in all corners of the building to figure out the pitch.

6. Identify and take pictures of the purlins, joists or whatever you're hanging off of. There are various types that require different attachements. Sending regular beam clamps when wide mouth beam clamps are required can be a problem.

7. If you can reach the pipe, there's no excuse not to know the size. Get a Pipe Caliper/Diameter Caliper AKA pocket rocket.

8. Always review the plans and have a strategy before going on site. Make a list of what information is crucial and focus on getting that first. It's always overwhelming when you start off from scratch.