Joint Meeting Minutes
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (Design engineers)
Memphis Area Fire Protection Association (Contractors)
September 23, 2008

We met in a conference room at the Hooks Central Library, 3 PM.

Topic: Proposed Change to Architectural Plans Review    

Key concepts  Projects designed by TN Registered Professional Engineers which have had approval of the contract drawings * shall not be required to have an additional review of the architectural plans and sprinkler contractors shop drawings by the TN Fire Marshal’s Plans Reviewers.  The burden of verifying that the contractor has designed the installation to meet the minimum requirement of the Engineer’s specifications falls to the Engineer, as before.

*  Correction by Presenter  The elimination of contractor sprinkler system shop drawings sent to the SFMO is recommended. The sprinkler system designers [Engineer] would additionally show (1) all sprinkler head locations, piping, and pipe sizes (typical sizes), and (2) sprinkler head legend.  With this additional information, we can assure code compliance for a fully sprinklered building.

Discussion  The proposed deletion of a second review by the TN Fire Marshal’s Office of plans designed by an Engineer shall reduce the time or delay in the installation of the fire protection system.  This will aid the general contractor in scheduling various trades including the sprinkler contractor.  However, the engineers voiced a concern about their additional design layout time,  liability and required greater care in their review of the shop drawings.  Their designs are done with less than complete architectural plans prior to the letting for bids.  Their firm’s margin of profit on fire protection designs is very small.  This change is perceived of as reducing their margin further.  Revisions to the Engineer’s specifications shall be submitted to the TN Fire Marshal’s Office in person or by pdf files (no faxes).

Contact Information   
Tom Battle
TN Deputy Fire Marshal, Plans Review Section
500 James Robertson Parkway, 3rd Fl
Nashville TN 37243-1162
615-532-5838
tom.s.battle@state.tn.us
www.state.tn.us/commerce/sfm/fpcesect..html

Reporter:  Priscilla Neale   October 23, 2008