The sprinkler contractor should be required to submit a set of complete, detailed plans what will allow plan reviewers to determine that the design, layout and components comply with the applicable requirements. Contractors can prepare the plans in-house using qualified employees, or they can contract the work out to an independent design firm.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes sprinkler installation standards that are recognized nationally as the basis for proper system installation. Building codes, fire codes and local ordinances routinely reference those standards, and the local regulations may add additional requirements.
NFPA Standard 13D is titled "Sprinkler Systems for One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes."Parts of the standard also apply to dwelling units in buildings that use NFPA 13, "Installation of Sprinkler Systems." For low-rise apartment buildings, hotels and condominiums, the NFPA publishes Standard 13R, "Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Up to Four Stories in Height." Residential buildings higher than four stories use NFPA 13, but refer to NFPA 13D for the dwelling units.
The key to reliability and effectiveness of a sprinkler system is ensuring that the plan preparation, installation and maintenance be performed by competent individuals. Residential sprinklers were developed for their life safety capability, and successful sprinkler system performance is, therefore, of utmost importance.
State Laws and Ordinances
Some states have enacted contractor licensing laws that cover the competency requirements for people who prepare sprinkler plans. They typically require evidence of competence in understanding and using the appropriate standards, but the scope of the requirements vary. Some states require formal certification based on examinations, while others will accept job experience as an alternate.
For determining the competency of those who do sprinkler plans, a number of states recognize the certification provided by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). This organization is affiliated with the National Society of Professional Engineers. Since 1980, NICET has been testing the qualifications of engineering technicians who do fire sprinkler system layout and detailing.
Various levels of certification have been developed to designate degrees of competency. Individuals achieving Level III certification are recognized as Certified Engineering Technicians. They are able to act independently in applying the provisions of the standards, such as NFPA 13, in the preparation of sprinkler system working drawings. Beginning in 1988, NICET established Level II certification as an appropriate level of qualifications for the preparation of plans for NFPA 13D residential sprinkler systems.
In some states, licensed professional engineers are legally responsible for the preparation of all drawings related to building design, and this includes sprinkler system design. Typically, the professional engineer will make the basic design decisions and then supervise the plan preparation that is performed by technicians. The engineer then reviews the work and stamps the plans.
A determination should be made as to whether a statewide program is already in existence. If not, it should be decided whether a specialized examination will be developed or whether reference will be made to one of the established methods of determining credentials for plan preparers, such as the NICET system.
Policies and Procedures
It is intended that the Authority Having Jurisdiction will develop policies and procedures addressing the format for plan preparation. In general, this format will include, as a minimum, the information required for working plans by the applicable installation standards. The choice of the specific installation standard should be determined according to the occupancy type, as explained within the scope of each standard. The policies and procedures might also include information such as the number of copies of plans to be submitted, local requirements which modify or supplement the national installation standards, specific statements of credentials of the plan preparers, and permit and fee information. This information should be made available to all individuals or firms which express an interest in preparing residential fire sprinkler plans.
Acceptable for Review?
The decision as to whether a set of plans is acceptable for review is based on conformance with established criteria. Rejection of the submittal at this stage simply means that the criteria have not been met.