Blogs

Tip #39 - I'm so confused!

By Jonathan Flannery posted 03-05-2020
408.4 Field Identification Required. (A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification. Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. The identification shall include sufficient detail to allow each circuit to be distinguished from all others. Spare positions that contain unused overcurrent devices or switches shall be described accordingly. The identification shall be included in a circuit directory that is located on the face or inside of the panel door in the case of a panelboard, and located at each switch or circuit breaker in a switchboard. Make sure your electrical circuits are clearly ...

Tip #3 - A lot can happen in 5 years!

By Chad Beebe posted 02-10-2020
NFPA 25-2011: 14.2.1 Except as discussed in 14.2.1.1 and 14.2.1.4 an inspection of piping and branch line conditions shall be conducted every 5 years by opening a flushing connection at the end of one main and by removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch line for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material. #ASHEComplianceTip

TIp #18 - hour for hour...

By Chad Beebe posted 01-02-2020
NFPA 99-2010: 5.1.3.3.2* (4) If indoors, they shall be constructed and use interior finishes of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials such that all walls, floors, ceilings, and doors are of a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. The 2012 and previous editions of the required a 1 hour door perhaps just an oversight by the NFPA committee who in later editions reduced the requirement to 45 minutes. Surveyors will likely look for a 60 minute door. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #21 - 25 to 6 or 4?

By Jonathan Flannery posted 12-05-2019
NFPA 80-2010: 19.3.1, 19.4.1, 19.4.1.1, NFPA 105-2010: 6.4.1, 6.5.2 Fire and smoke dampers, or combination fire/smoke dampers are tested when they are installed, and again 1 year after installation. The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, with the exception of hospitals, which shall be every 6 years. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #8 - Dust in the Wind

By Chad Beebe posted 11-07-2019
FGI Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities – 2014: 1-2.3.2.3.1 A written plan, referred to as Infection Control Risk Mitigation Recommendations (ICRMR) is required to describe specific measures that will be implemented during construction to limit the spread of airborne and waterborne biological contaminants. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #41 - Fire Fighter Use Only

By Chad Beebe posted 10-03-2019
NFPA 101-2012: 9.4.6.2 All elevators equipped with fire fighters’ emergency operations in accordance with 9.4.3 shall be subject to a monthly operation with a written record of the findings made and kept on the premises as required byASMEA17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Operation of elevator fire fighter emergency fire fighter emergency operations is required monthly for elevators that are so equipped. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #42 - Time to Replace Those Antiques!

By Jonathan Flannery posted 08-01-2019
NFPA 25-2011: 5.3.1 5.3.1.1.1.3* Sprinklers manufactured using fast-response elements that have been in service for 20 years shall be replaced, or representative samples shall be tested and then retested at 10-year intervals. A quick-response sprinkler, residential sprinkler, and early suppression suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers are examples of fast response sprinklers. If your quick response heads were installed prior to 1999 make sure you have documentation of them being tested or replaced. All heads need to be tested or replaced every 50 years. How do you know if your head is a standard response or a quick response? one of the common indicators ...

Tip #23 - Don’t Stumble Around in the Dark

By Jonathan Flannery posted 07-01-2019
NFPA 110-2010: 7.3.1 The Level 1 or Level 2 EPS equipment location(s) shall be provided with battery-powered emergency lighting. This requirement shall not apply to units located outdoors in enclosures that do not include walk-in access. Battery-powered emergency lighting must be provided for Level 1 and 2 Emergency Power Supply (EPS) locations. Units that are located outdoors in enclosures that do not require walk-in access are not required to have battery-powered emergency lighting. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #44 - 6-9-2-1

By Chad Beebe posted 06-05-2019
NFPA 101-2012: 19.7.5.7.2* Containers used solely for recycling clean waste or for patient records awaiting destruction shall be permitted to be excluded from the requirements of 19.7.5.7.1 where all the following conditions are met: (1) Each container shall be limited to a maximum capacity of 96 gal (363 L), except as permitted by 19.7.5.7.2(2) or (3). (2)*Containers with capacities greater than 96 gal (363 L)shall be located in a room protected as a hazardous area when not attended. (3) Container size shall not be limited in hazardous areas. (4) Containers for combustibles shall be labeled and listed as meeting the requirements of FM Approval Standard 6921,Containers ...

Tip 32 - No Smoking in the Air Handler

By Chad Beebe posted 05-02-2019
NFPA 90A-2012: 6.4.1 Testing. All automatic shutdown devices shall be tested at least annually. Smoke detection control to shut down an air handler must be tested and documented at least annually. The documentation must indicate that the air handler did shut down. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip 45: Don’t Miss a Spare

By Jonathan Flannery posted 04-09-2019
NFPA 70-2011 408.4 (A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification. Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. The identification shall include sufficient detail to allow each circuit to be distinguished from all others. Spare positions that contain unused overcurrent devices or switches shall be described accordingly. The identification shall be included in a circuit directory that is located on the face or inside of the panel door in the case of a panelboard, and located at each switch or circuit breaker in a switchboard. No circuit shall be described in a manner that depends on ...

Tip 48 - Can you gauge the accuracy?

By Chad Beebe posted 03-18-2019
NFPA 25-2011: 5.3.2.1 Gauges shall be replaced every 5 years or tested every 5 years by comparison with a calibrated gauge. Make sure you have documents to show that you have either done the testing or replaced the Gauges #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #40 - Dusty Heads

By Chad Beebe posted 02-07-2019
NFPA 25-2011: A.5.2.1.1.2(5) In lieu of replacing sprinklers that are loaded with a coating of dust, it is permitted to clean sprinklers with compressed air or by a vacuum provided that the equipment does not touch the sprinkler. Clean dusty sprinklers with compressed air or vacuum - but don't touch the sprinkler with the equipment. #ASHEComplianceTip

TIp #8 - Dust in the Wind

By Jonathan Flannery posted 01-09-2019
FGI Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities – 2014: 1-2.3.2.3.1 A written plan, referred to as Infection Control Risk Mitigation Recommendations (ICRMR) is required to describe specific measures that will be implemented during construction to limit the spread of airborne and waterborne biological contaminants. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #27 - We interrupt this test...

By Jonathan Flannery posted 12-03-2018
6.4.4.1.1.2 The 10-second criterion shall not apply during the monthly testing of an essential electrical system. If the 10-second criterion is not met during the monthly test, a process shall be provided to annually confirm the capability of the life safety and critical branches to comply with 6.4.3.1. Annually interruption of power required for proper ATS testing. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #23 - Don’t Stumble Around in the Dark

By Chad Beebe posted 11-28-2018
NFPA 110-2010: 7.3.1 The Level 1 or Level 2 EPS equipment location(s) shall be provided with battery-powered emergency lighting. This requirement shall not apply to units located outdoors in enclosures that do not include walk-in access. Battery-powered emergency lighting must be provided for Level 1 and 2 Emergency Power Supply (EPS) locations. Units that are located outdoors in enclosures that do not require walk-in access are not required to have battery-powered emergency lighting. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #41 - Fire Fighter Use Only

By Chad Beebe posted 11-16-2018
NFPA 101-2012: 9.4.6.2 All elevators equipped with fire fighters’ emergency operations in accordance with 9.4.3 shall be subject to a monthly operation with a written record of the findings made and kept on the premises as required byASMEA17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #18 - hour for hour....

By Jonathan Flannery posted 11-13-2018
NFPA 99-2010: 5.1.3.3.2* (4) If indoors, they shall be constructed and use interior finishes of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials such that all walls, floors, ceilings, and doors are of a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. The 2012 and previous editions of the required a 1-hour door. Perhaps this was an oversight by the NFPA committee who in later editions reduced the requirement to 45 minutes. Surveyors will likely look for a 60 minute door. #ASHEComplianceTip

Tip #29 - Escutcheon Discussion What's your Function

By Chad Beebe posted 11-05-2018
NFPA 13-2010: or thin paper bags shall be used. 6.2.6.4.3 Coverings shall be replaced periodically so that heavy deposits of residue do not accumulate. 6.2.6.4.4 Sprinklers that have been painted or coated shall be replaced in accordance with the requirements of 6.2.6.2.2. 6.2.7 Escutcheons and Cover Plates. 6.2.7.1 Plates, escutcheons, or other devices used to cover the annular space around a sprinkler shall be metallic or shall be listed for use around a sprinkler. 6.2.7.2* Escutcheons used with recessed, flush-type, or concealed sprinklers shall be part of a listed sprinkler assembly. 6.2.7.3 Cover plates used with concealed sprinklers shall be part of the ...

Tip #21 - 25 to 6 or 4?

By Chad Beebe posted 10-29-2018
NFPA 80-2010: 19.3.1, 19.4.1, 19.4.1.1, NFPA 105-2010: 6.4.1, 6.5.2 - Fire and smoke dampers, or combination fire/smoke dampers are tested when they are installed, and again 1 year after installation. The test and inspection frequency shall then be every 4 years, with the exception of hospitals, which shall be every 6 years. #ASHEComplianceTip