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Principles of Fire Prevention
Chapter Five
Plan Review
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Learning Objectives
- Discuss the reasons construction plans are reviewed prior to construction.
- List the types of plans that fire departments typically review.
- List five potential site plan items for review.
- Discuss the benefits of fire department involvement in plan review for the business community.
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Construction Regulation
- Traditionally the responsibility of a government official
- Building commissioner
- Building superintendent
- Building official
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Plan Review (1 of 3)
- The review of building plans and specifications prior to construction has been an integral part of the building permit application process.
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Plan Review (2 of 3)
- Fire departments today are being included in the plan review schemes of many jurisdictions.
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Plan Review (3 of 3)
- The primary purpose of a plan review process is to verify that the proposed structure complies with the code before work is commenced.
- Reviewers cannot be expected to anticipate every condition or contingency.
- Project approval is based on the final field inspection.
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Fire Service Site Plan Review Issues
- Fire department access roadways
- Location of fire department connections and hydrants
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Site Plan (Zoning)
- The first plan normally submitted for review
- The location of the structure on the property
- Construction type, building height, and area in square feet
- Road configuration, including parking
- Fire flow
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Building Plan (Fire Code)
- Structural fire protection and separation
- Emergency egress and areas of refuge
- Fire protection systems
- Regulated materials
Fire Code Plan Review
- What is the main difference between Site Plans and Building Plans.
- Who Benefits the most between Site Plan reviews and Building Plan reviews.
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Plan Reviewer
- The plan reviewer with fire operations experience or the civilian plan reviewer with an in-depth knowledge of fire department operations is a valuable asset that can compliment the review by the building official’s staff.
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Fire Protection System Plan Issues
- Fire department is the end user.
- There are numerous instances within the model codes and referenced fire protection system standards where fire department approval is specifically required.
- Fire department approval within a formal framework is preferable.
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Resistance to Fire Department Plan Review
- Design professionals
- Developers and contractors
- Elected officials
- Building department
- Sometimes even the fire service
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Overcoming Resistance
- Establish a good relationship with the building official.
- Streamline the plan review process.
- Strive for the safest buildings; promote increased levels of protection.
- Avoid putting architects and engineers on the defensive.
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SKAs for Plan Reviewers
- Fire department plan reviewers should meet the same standards as their counterparts in the building department.
- Training
- Certifications
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Plan Review SKAs (1 of 2)
- Ability to read blueprints
- Technical math skills
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing
- Ability to interpret complex technical codes
- Good mechanical aptitude
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Plan Review SKAs (2 of 2)
- Knowledge of basic construction principles
- Demonstrated firmness, fairness, and flexibility
- Impeccable honesty and forthrightness
- Willingness to serve as a member of a team
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Summary (1 of 2)
- Fire department involvement in plan review has significant potential that extends over years.
- Attention to detail during design results in benefits over the life of a building.
- Fire department operations expertise can resolve potential problems in the early stages of development.
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Summary (2 of 2)
- Failure to address problems or operational impediments prior to the beginning of construction operations results in the fire department living with significant problems for the life of the building.