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Understanding 61G15-32 Florida Laws and Rules Concerning Fire Protection Plans

Understanding 61G15-32 Florida Laws and Rules Concerning Fire Protection Plans. By Robert Dewar, P.E. Hazard Fire Protection Engineering, Inc. Welcome!!!. Breaks every hour Questions are welcome any time Classroom exercises Highly interactive format Who do we have here?. July 2014. 2.

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Understanding 61G15-32 Florida Laws and Rules Concerning Fire Protection Plans

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  1. Understanding 61G15-32 Florida Laws and Rules Concerning Fire Protection Plans By Robert Dewar, P.E. Hazard Fire Protection Engineering, Inc.

  2. Welcome!!! • Breaks every hour • Questions are welcome any time • Classroom exercises • Highly interactive format • Who do we have here? July 2014 2

  3. Robert “Bobby” Dewar, P.E. • Vice President of Hazard Fire Protection Engineering • FSU College of Engineering • 11+ years experience as fire protection system designer and fire protection engineer • Worked as fire sprinkler system installer • Specializes in multi-family residential and commercial fire protection systems July 2014 3

  4. Survey • What are the biggest problems you see these days regarding the PE/Contractor interface in preparing plans? • On a scale of 1-10, how well do you think the laws are understood in FL July 2014 4

  5. Legal Structure - Florida Law 101 • Florida Statutes • http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes • Chapter 471 – Engineering • Chapter 633 – Fire Prevention and Control • Chapter 553 – Building Construction Standards July 2014 5

  6. Florida Law 101 Cont’d • Florida Administrative Code • 61G15 – Florida Board of Professional Engineer Rules • Provides detailed guidance on how exactly to enact requirements of Florida Statutes July 2014 6

  7. Why 61G15-32? • A line had to be drawn between engineers and contractors • Prevent bad behavior • Under-specification “Design per 13” • Over-specification without responsibility • Plan stamping • Contractors in engineering business July 2014 7

  8. Historical Background • Fire, as a destroyer of property and assailant of people has long been recognized as a basic hazard of civilization. • General sentiment of business up until the turn of the 20th century was that fire was inevitable. • During the Post Civil War Recovery and Industrial Revolution FIRE was deemed acceptable by business, as long as economic recovery was available through insurance. • This view was not shared by everyone.

  9. Historical BackgroundContinued • The first arrangement for carrying water through a system of pipes, to protect against fire, is traced back to John Carey of England in 1806. • The first automatic sprinkler device patented in the United States was byHenry S. Parmalee in 1874.

  10. Historical BackgroundContinued • In 1895 a group of insurance underwriters and engineers met for exploratory conversations on establishing consistent rules for fire sprinkler systems. • In March of 1896 the first release of fire sprinkler installation rules entitled “Report of Committee On Automatic Sprinkler Protection” was issued. (To be later known as NFPA #13) • In November of 1896 the National Fire Protection Association was officially formed to establish and administer fire sprinkler system installation rules.

  11. Historical BackgroundContinued • Since it’s inception in 1896, NFPA Standards have provided prescriptive engineering guidelines and direction based upon empirical testing and consensus building debate. • These National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) standards are the basis for design and installation of fire sprinkler systems, and have been adopted as code throughout the United States, including Florida.

  12. Historical BackgroundContinued • From the time the first fire sprinkler system was invented to the time, approximately 100 years later, fire sprinkler systems were installed, not as a code requirement but rather as a means to reduce property insurance losses and costs. • During this time, insurance companies took primary responsibility to provide the contractors with the necessary engineering direction and oversight.

  13. Historical BackgroundContinued • Sometime during the 1970’s fire sprinkler systems became code driven and the market for fire sprinkler systems exploded. • The demand explosion caused the insurance industry to re-evaluate the amount of “free” direction and oversight they were able to provide which ultimately left huge void to be filled. • What began as a property preservation issue, all of a sudden, became a public safety issue as well and government had to respond.

  14. Historical BackgroundContinued • In Florida, government did respond. • First – Engineering decisions were assigned to licensed engineers. • Second – Fire sprinkler installation standards and contractors became regulated under the State Fire Marshal. • Third – Fire prevention departments were formed and filled with plans examiners and onsite inspectors. • This occurred one generation ago and included the same diverse group of stakeholders.

  15. History of 61G15-32 • HennRebane, Buddy Dewar, Don Wiginton, a condo in South Florida, and a really mad legislator • What can happen when people work together July 2014 15

  16. Owners Public and Private Design Professionals Architects and Engineers Code Enforcement Officials Building and Fire Prevention Contractors General and Fire Sprinkler Stakeholders

  17. To Protect the Public. Purpose

  18. Premise • #1 • Most people are honest and want to follow the rules as long as they make sense and can be understood. • #2 • Everyone on the team is important and no one is more important than the other.

  19. The difference between code enforcement & contract enforcement • Material deviations as explained in the rules apply to code enforcement and engineering exclusivity. • Deviations of the contractor to the engineer’s exclusive right to issues that involve only one right answer. • Deviations in things contractors are also authorized to do (layout) which may deviate from an engineer’s depiction are not considered material deviations from a code enforcement perspective although they may be from a contract enforcement perspective.

  20. Permitting Process • Master permit is applied for using “contract drawings” – includes engineering “criteria” for fire protection systems • Trade permits include detailed shop drawings by contractor • Where is the line drawn between the two? • 61G15-32 tells us July 2014 20

  21. Requirements for All FP Drawings (61G15-32.003) • Scope of work • Applicable codes and standards • Occupancy or description of specific hazard • Structural support and openings • Activation and controls requirements • Any information deemed appropriate by the Engineer of Record July 2014 21

  22. Requirements for Water Based Systems (61G15-32.004) “A-J” • A - Point of Service as defined by Section 633.102(24) • B - Applicable standard or eng. judgment • C - Hazard classification of each area • D - Design approach of system • E - Water supply characteristics • F - Flow test July 2014 22

  23. Requirements for Water Based Systems (61G15-32.004) “A-J” • G - Valving and alarm requirements • H - MIC evaluation • I - Backflow prevention requirements • J - Quality and performance specifications of all components July 2014 23

  24. Requirements for Clean Agent, Foam, and Dry-Chem Systems (61G15-32.005, 006, 007) • Design per applicable NFPA standard • No further guidance provided by 61G15-32 • These systems are often pre-engineered or manufacturer specific July 2014 24

  25. Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems (61G15-32.008) “A-O” • A – Plans must include: • Symbol legend • Riser diagram showing all devices • Survivability requirements and fire ratings • Occupancy of building or areas • B – Locate initiation and notification devices • C – Identify strobe intensity and speaker output ratings for each device July 2014 25

  26. Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems (61G15-32.008) “A-O” • D – Identify circuit class for each circuit • E – Identify the functions of the fire alarm system (logic?) • F – Indicate if system is conventional or addressable and all zoning • G – Locate all surge suppressors • H – Identify environmentally affected devices and required protective features July 2014 26

  27. Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems (61G15-32.008) “A-O” • I – Site plan showing surrounding area when devices are required outside the building • J – Detail on installation of smoke detection where ceiling obstructions, beams, or pitched roofs will complicate placement • K – Design accounting for smoke stratification where this is anticipated (i.e. tall spaces) July 2014 27

  28. Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems (61G15-32.008) “A-O” • L – Performance-based design criteria shall be identified • M - Identify if general or zoned activation • N - Wiring requirements for underground and wet locations including protection against damage and burial depths • O – Operations and maintenance requirements July 2014 28

  29. Real Life Examples

  30. Design Versus Layout

  31. The Role of the Engineer As a minimum prescribed by law. Purpose: To protect the public

  32. Professional Engineer • Florida does not license engineers by discipline. • An engineer who specifies the fire protection system design parameters, a.k.a. the engineer of record for fire protection, must be a licensed PE in Florida. • A Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) is an engineer who has successfully passed the Profession Engineer (PE) exam in fire protection engineering. • In Florida, it is not necessary to be a FPE to do the fire protection design, only a PE competent by education, experience or knowledge in fire protection.

  33. Design Documents Required 553.79 FS  Permits; applications; issuance; inspections -

  34. Florida Building Code Section 105.3.1.2 (2) • Fire sprinkler documents for any new building or addition which includes a fire sprinkler system which contains 50 or more sprinkler heads. A Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV, certified under s. 633.318, may design the alteration of an existing fire sprinkler system if the alteration consists of the relocation, addition or alteration or deletion of not more than 49 head, notwithstanding the size of the existing fire sprinkler system.

  35. Florida Statutes 633.021 Definitions • (5) …A Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV may design a fire protection system the scope of which complies with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- And Two-Family Dwellings and manufactured Homes, as adopted by the State Fire Marshal, notwithstanding the number of fire sprinklers.

  36. Summary • For building construction or alterations: • Requires full set of documents including Fire Sprinkler Design Documents • Prepared by a licensed engineer or a licensed contractor (small installations of 49 sprinklers or less). • Requires review and acceptance by both a building code official and a fire safety code official. • Requires Compliance to the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Life Safety Code • Refers to the General Building Permit only.

  37. The Big Questions • What constitutes a fire sprinkler system design? • Answer – See Administrative Rule Section 61G15-32. • Who can legally provide this design document? • Answer – See chapter 471 FS, 553 FS, 633 FS and Administrative Rule Section 61G15.

  38. What Constitutes Engineering Documents? • Definition • 61G15-32.002 (5) - Fire Protection System Engineering Documents: The fire protection system engineering drawings, specifications, prescriptive and performance criteria, water supply analysis and other materials or representations, which are submitted with the general construction documents pursuant to 553.79(6), FS, that set forth the overall design requirements and provide sufficient direction for the contractor to layout the construction, alteration, demolition, renovation, repair, modification, permitting and such, for any public or private fire protection system(s), which are prepared, signed, dated and sealed by the Engineer of Record for the Fire Protection System(s).

  39. Common Requirement for FP Engineering Documents • Engineering requirements to be used in the preparation of Layout Document(s). • Acceptance testing based on applicable standards. • Hazard Classification Occupancy & Commodities. • Applicable design standard such as NFPA 13. • Structural support and structural openings required by the Fire Protection System Engineering Documents and referenced on the structural plans.

  40. Engineering Documents (continued) • Other Clarifications Regarding Minimum Information Required on Documents – 61G15-32.004 • (3) Contractor submittals which deviate from the above minimum design parameters shall be considered material deviations and require supplemental engineering approval and documentation. • (4) In the event the Engineer of Record provides more information and direction than is established above, he or she shall be held responsible for the technical accuracy of the work in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and sound engineering principles.

  41. Other Responsibilities and Duties • When elements of the project are shown on an engineering document only for information or clarification and the Engineer does not intend to accept responsibility for the elements, the engineer shall clearly note on the documents the extent of his responsibility. 61G15-30.003(3) • Engineers shall clearly note on any preliminary engineering documents that such documents are not in final form, but are being transmitted to the public agency to receive agency reviews, comments and interpretations. 61G15-30.003(5)

  42. Who Designs Fire Sprinkler Systems? • Affixing or permitting to be affixed his or her seal, name, or digital signature to any final drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or documents that were not prepared by him or her or under his or her responsible supervision, direction, or control. 471.033 (j) FS (grounds for disciplinary action) • A professional engineer may only seal an engineering report, plan, print or specification if that professional engineer was in responsible charge of the preparation and production of the engineering document and the professional engineer has the expertise in the engineering discipline used in producing the engineering document in question. 61G15-23.002(5)

  43. Who Designs Fire Sprinkler Systems? • … persons certified as a Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV under this chapter may design fire protection systems of 49 or fewer heads, and may design the alteration of an existing fire sprinkler system if the alteration consists of the relocation, addition, or deletion of not more than 49 heads, notwithstanding the size of the existing fire sprinkler system. Such plans may not be required by any local permitting authority to be sealed by a registered professional engineer. 633.102(3) FS • A Contractor I, Contractor II, or Contractor IV, certified under s. 633.521, may design a fire sprinkler system of 49 or fewer heads and may design the alteration of an existing fire sprinkler system if the alteration consists of the relocation, addition, or deletion of not more than 49 heads, notwithstanding the size of the existing fire sprinkler system. 553.79(6)(c) FS

  44. Responsible Charge - 61G15-18.011(1) • "Responsible Charge" shall mean that degree of control an engineer is required to maintain over engineering decisions made personally or by others over which the engineer exercises supervisory direction and control authority. • The degree of control necessary for an engineer to be in responsible charge shall be such that the engineer: • Personally makes engineering decisions or reviews and approves proposed decisions prior to their implementation, including the consideration of alternatives, whenever engineering decisions which could affect the health, safety and welfare of the public are made. In making said engineering decisions, the engineer shall be physically present or, through the use of communication devices, be available in a reasonable period of time. • Judges the validity and applicability of recommendations prior to their incorporation into the work, including the qualifications of those making the recommendations.

  45. Responsible Charge - 61G15-18.011(1) • Engineering decisions which must be made by and are the responsibility of the engineer in responsible charge are those decisions concerning permanent or temporary work which could create a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, such as, but not limited to, the following: • The selection of engineering alternatives to be investigated and the comparison of alternatives for engineering works. • The selection or development of design standards or methods, and materials to be used. • The selection or development of techniques or methods of testing to be used in evaluating materials or completed works, either new or existing. • The development and control of operating and maintenance procedures.

  46. Responsible Charge - 61G15-18.011(1) • As a test to evaluate whether an engineer is in responsible charge, the following must be considered: An engineer who signs and seals engineering documents in responsible charge must be capable of answering questions relevant to the engineering decisions made during the engineer's work on the project, in sufficient detail as to leave little doubt as to the engineer's proficiency for the work performed. It is not necessary to defend decisions as in an adversary situation, but only to demonstrate that the engineer in responsible charge made them and possessed sufficient knowledge of the project to make them. Examples of questions to be answered by the engineer could relate to criteria for design, methods of analysis, selection of materials and systems, economics of alternate solutions, and environmental considerations. The individuals should be able to clearly define the span and degree of control and how it was exercised and to demonstrate that the engineer was answerable within said span and degree of control necessary for the engineering work done.

  47. Responsible Charge - 61G15-18.011(1) • The term "responsible charge" relates to engineering decisions within the purview of the Professional Engineers Act and does not refer to management control in a hierarchy of professional engineers except as each of the individuals in the hierarchy exercises independent engineering judgment and thus responsible charge. It does not refer to administrative and personnel management functions. While an engineer may also have such duties in this position, it should not enhance or decrease one's status of being in responsible charge of the work. The phrase does not refer to the concept of financial liability.

  48. Successor Engineer - 61G15 27.001 (1) • A successor engineer seeking to re-use already sealed contract documents must be able to document and produce upon request evidence that he in fact has recreated all the work done by the original professional engineer. • The successor engineer must take all professional and legal responsibility for the documents which he sealed and signed and can no way exempt himself from such full responsibility. • Plans need not be redrawn by the successor engineer, however justification for such action must be available through well kept and complete documentation on the part of the successor engineer as to his having re-thought and re-worked the entire process

  49. Successor Engineer - 61G15 27.001 (1) • A successor engineer must use his own title block, seal, signature and must remove the title block, seal and signature of the original professional engineer before reusing any sealed documents. • Prior to sealing and signing work a successor engineer shall be required to notify the original engineer, his successor, or assigns by certified letter to the last known address of the original professional engineer of the successor's intention to use or re-use the original professional engineer’s work. The successor professional engineer will take full responsibility for the drawing as though the successor engineer’s original product.

  50. Who Designs Fire Sprinkler Systems? • It is the responsibility of the prime professional engineer to retain and coordinate the services of such other professionals as needed to complete the services contracted for the project. 61G15-30.007

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