Attachment 13 - Fire Safety Review.pdf

FIRE AND SAFETY PROJECT REVIEW REPORT

Review by: Robert C. Beller, P.E. Phone No.: (240) 602-2083 Date: 1/15/2025 VA Project COR: Ethan Carter

Facility: Malcolm Randall VAMC Gainesville, FL

Project Title (%): Renovate Common Area Restroom – (100%)

Date on Drawings:

VA Project No.:

March 21, 2024 573-20-604

ITEM

NO.:

REFERENCE

DRAWING

OR SPEC.

COMMENTS

(*Indicates Advisory Comments)

REFERENCE

CODE OR STD.

(* With Year of

Ed.)

RESOLUTION (Provided by MC or A/E)

1. Design Analysis

V. Architectural/Interior Design – Existing Conditions: The analysis indicates “sprinkler heads will be turned up when ceiling is removed for more than 24 hours” but this should be revised to a single work shift (8 hours) as a longer outage requires implementation of Interim Life Safety Measures such as a fire watch (per medical center policy). In addition, this is not a valid approach for temporary sprinkler protection. Clearly indicate the method of protection for the project area during construction would be achieved by providing temporary sprinkler protection via installing upright sprinkler heads in areas where the ceiling is removed as part of the demolition or temporary ceiling. The alternative is to provide a 1-hour rated construction barrier around the project area.

If the temporary upright sprinkler approach will be used as indicated, then it must be noted that when the ceilings are reinstalled new pendent sprinklers must be installed (existing sprinklers cannot be removed and reinstalled). [This is identified in Note 17 on drawing G002.] Note: The choice between rated construction barrier and maintenance of sprinkler protection by the use of temporary upright sprinklers can be identified as a means and methods choice for the contractor.

NFPA 241

(2022), Paragraph 4.13.4

Design Analysis is not distributed to the GC.

See Proposed Bid Package notes below.

2. Design Analysis

V. Architectural/Interior Design – Scope of New Work: Address the opening protection for doors within fire rated barriers. Several doors within the project area are within these barriers.

Design Analysis is not distributed to the GC.

Covered by Specs 01 35 26- 22.D Temporary Construction Barriers

3. Design Analysis

V. Architectural/Interior Design – Building Codes & References:

Remove reference to state building code. The VA acts as its own AHJ and therefore is not subject to local and municipal codes.

Additional International Code Council codes are only to be used where directed by the VA or NFPA.

VA Fire Protection

Design Manual Section 1.2.C &

1.3.C

Design Analysis is not distributed to the GC. We were directed to include these codes.

Review by: Robert C. Beller, P.E. Phone No.: (240) 602-2083 Date: 1/15/2025 VA Project COR: Ethan Carter

Gainesville, FL

Project Title (%): Renovate Common Area Restroom – (100%)

Date on Drawings:

VA Project No.:

March 21, 2024 573-20-604

ITEM

NO.:

REFERENCE

DRAWING

OR SPEC.

COMMENTS

(*Indicates Advisory Comments)

REFERENCE

CODE OR STD.

(* With Year of

Ed.)

RESOLUTION (Provided by MC or A/E)

4. Design Analysis

V. Architectural/Interior Design – Building Codes & References:

Remove “Florida Fire Prevention Code”, this is not a recognized VA standard. NFPA 1 – The Fire Code should be referenced instead.

VA Fire Protection

Design Manual Section 1.3.B

Design Analysis is not distributed to the GC. We were directed to include these codes.

5. Design Analysis

V. Architectural/Interior Design – Building Codes & References:

Update the edition of the VA Fire Protection Design Manual to the 9th edition dated November 2023. The VA

VA Fire Protection

Design Manual Section 1.3.B

Design Analysis is not distributed to the GC.

6. Design Analysis

V. Architectural/Interior Design – Code Reference Guide:

Specifically indicate the IBC will only be utilized where directed by VA or NFPA standards. Additionally, remove reference to the International Fire Code (IFC), this is not a VA recognized standard, NFPA 1 – The Fire Code should be referenced instead.

VA Fire Protection

Design Manual Section 1.3.C

Design Analysis is not distributed to the GC.

7. G002

Fire Protection General Notes, Note 1: Remove reference to International Building Codes and local requirements. The VA acts as its own AHJ and therefore is not subject to local and municipal codes. Additional International Building Codes are only to be used where directed by the VA or NFPA.

VA Fire Protection

Design Manual Section 1.2.C &

1.3.C

Not necessary to remove since it reinforces the idea of being compliant with codes.

8. G002

Fire Alarm General Note D indicates an active sprinkler system, either temporary or permanent shall be in place and operational.

Coordinate this approach with Comment 2.

NFPA 241

(2022), Paragraph 4.13.4

See Notes 1 and 2 below.

9. Affected Drawings

Add a general note to all affected drawings that requires the replacement of ceiling tiles at the end of each shift for work areas outside of a rated construction barrier. If the tiles cannot be replaced, the sprinkler system may be considered out of service in these areas and 1-hour fire rated separation will be required between the construction area and the occupied portions of the building except where temporary upright sprinklers have been installed (see previous comment).

NFPA 1 (2024),

Paragraph 13.3.3.3

See Note 2 below.

Review by: Robert C. Beller, P.E. Phone No.: (240) 602-2083 Date: 1/15/2025 VA Project COR: Ethan Carter

Gainesville, FL

Project Title (%): Renovate Common Area Restroom – (100%)

Date on Drawings:

VA Project No.:

March 21, 2024 573-20-604

ITEM

NO.:

REFERENCE

DRAWING

OR SPEC.

COMMENTS

(*Indicates Advisory Comments)

REFERENCE

CODE OR STD.

(* With Year of

Ed.)

RESOLUTION (Provided by MC or A/E)

10. A411 A412

Delete all smoke detectors which are not required by a specific NFPA code requirement (and there are no code requirements for detection in restrooms).

Note: While there may be a cost associated with eliminating these detectors, and it should be minimal since the ceiling systems are being replaced, the elimination of the need for ongoing inspection, test and maintenance of these detectors should be recognized.

VA Fire Protection

Design Manual Paragraph 7.4.D

See Note 3 below.

11. 21 13 13

This specification can be removed. Sprinkler system modifications are limited to the removal and replacement of existing sprinkler heads and this work is addressed in the notes on G002.

VA Program Guide PG 18-15

Requested in previous review by the VA.

12. 28 31 00 Fire alarm system work (if any), will be limited to the removal and reinstallation of devices in their exact location, this specification can be removed as this work is addressed in the notes on G002.

VA Program Guide PG 18-15

Requested in previous review by the VA.

Proposed Bid Package Notes:

1.Within the project area, when the ceiling is removed for more than a single work shift (8 hours), temporary upright sprinkler heads will be installed. Alternatively a 1-hour rated construction barrier around the project area may be constructed plus provide a fire watch. This is the contractor’s means and methods.

2. All ceiling tiles will be reinstalled at the end of each shift for work areas outside of a rated construction barrier. If the tiles cannot be replaced, the sprinkler system will be considered out of service in these areas. Separate the construction area and the occupied portion of the building with 1-hour fire rated construction barrier with a fire watch, or temporary upright sprinkler heads.

3. Eliminate smoke detectors in all bathrooms without lockers. Tie off at panel. All other smoke detectors to be replaced as indicated on the drawings.