Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
I'm an inspector in PA. PA doesn't use the IFC except when the IBC sends you there. An example would be high-piled combustible storage. A local jurisdiction can adopt the IFC and can also add stricter requirements to the codes if approved by the state.
I am currently inspecting a 1.3 million sq ft warehouse that only needs final inspections. The fire sprinkler company uses 2-1/2" hose connectors for drains where the fire main comes in the building from underground lines. There are barriers in front of these mains for protection. The fire chief of the local volunteer fire company came to look at the building and said this made these fire hose connectors inaccessible for the fire company and the barriers will need to be modified. Also The fire chief demanded that the they need to add a 2-1/2" fire hose connections (standpipes) every 200" down the middle of the building. He demanded a few other things that are not in the IBC or any NFPA codes. I did not say anything when the fire chief was here.
The fire chief has no authority or any certifications.The township did not adopt the IFC or add anything else to the codes. Fire hose connectors (standpipes) are not required inside a one story building. None of the things the fire chief is demanding are on the approved plans or in any codes.
Just wondering if anyone else had a problem like this?
This added work will add a great expense and time to finish this building. I refuse to require these things that the fire chief wants. The owners will need to decide to fight this or just go along but they are in a hurry to open the building. I'm thinking of asking the building owners if they want to do what the fire chief wants them to, do it under a separate permit. That way I can pass the final inspections on the original permit. I am not the BCO here so I don't do the C. O.'s but the state law says the the C. O. must be issued within 5 days after the final inspection is passed.
Just wondering how other inspectors would handle this? I work for a third party inspection company and we don't want to piss off the township authorities and lose the township's code work to another company.
I am currently inspecting a 1.3 million sq ft warehouse that only needs final inspections. The fire sprinkler company uses 2-1/2" hose connectors for drains where the fire main comes in the building from underground lines. There are barriers in front of these mains for protection. The fire chief of the local volunteer fire company came to look at the building and said this made these fire hose connectors inaccessible for the fire company and the barriers will need to be modified. Also The fire chief demanded that the they need to add a 2-1/2" fire hose connections (standpipes) every 200" down the middle of the building. He demanded a few other things that are not in the IBC or any NFPA codes. I did not say anything when the fire chief was here.
The fire chief has no authority or any certifications.The township did not adopt the IFC or add anything else to the codes. Fire hose connectors (standpipes) are not required inside a one story building. None of the things the fire chief is demanding are on the approved plans or in any codes.
Just wondering if anyone else had a problem like this?
This added work will add a great expense and time to finish this building. I refuse to require these things that the fire chief wants. The owners will need to decide to fight this or just go along but they are in a hurry to open the building. I'm thinking of asking the building owners if they want to do what the fire chief wants them to, do it under a separate permit. That way I can pass the final inspections on the original permit. I am not the BCO here so I don't do the C. O.'s but the state law says the the C. O. must be issued within 5 days after the final inspection is passed.
Just wondering how other inspectors would handle this? I work for a third party inspection company and we don't want to piss off the township authorities and lose the township's code work to another company.