Fire Department (FDNY) Complaint Design Solutions

Hoistway and Shaftway Protection

The fire codes mandate all accesses leading to hoistways and shaftways to be secured and protected. The exterior shaftways must be designed in a way to allow access by the Fire Department. They must serve as a communication between two or more floors of the building and must have "Shaftway" written on them in red letters on a white background.

Open Fires

The FDNY also determines the measures to be used when you plan to light open fires in your premises. For instance, if you plan to use an outdoor barbecue, then you must design your property with a water supply nearby or install a portable fire extinguisher. The water outlet or fire extinguisher should be readily accessible and meet the requirements of FC906.

Fire Sprinklers

All buildings over the height of 100 feet in New York must have a fire sprinkler system. But just installing a fire sprinkler system isn't enough, you also need to comply with additional guidelines.

For example, the fire sprinklers must follow standards and rules laid down by the NFPA. The standards put forth the minimum requirements for fire sprinkler design and provide the baseline for testing and inspections.

Fire sprinklers must also be in accordance with Chapter 9 of the local fire and building code. The codes set rules for maintenance, inspections and installation of the systems.

Various fire protection systems also have to follow the standards of the NFPA. They include portable fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems, foam water sprinkler systems, wet chemical fire extinguishing systems, water-based fire protection systems, aerosol fire extinguishers and more.

Fire Alarm Code

Along with fire sprinklers, the NFPA also determines the standards for fire alarm systems. The NFPA 72 outlines the requirements for installing, inspecting, testing and maintaining of the fire alarm systems.

In addition, you also need to comply with Chapter 9 of the fire code. You also have to submit the documents related to fire alarm system to the Fire Department before installation. The codes also determine the types of fire alarm and detection systems required for various environments.

Electrical Equipment and Wiring

The fire codes state that all electrical equipment and wiring should be installed to avoid hazardous situations. The codes also outline many design specifications, such as providing illumination for service equipment areas, electrical panelboards and motor control centers. You will also have to keep other considerations in mind like allowing proper clearances in front of electrical service equipment.

We have just given you a sample of a few codes which you need to follow. You have to be aware of all the codes and implications when you inspect a building or create your plans for FDNY approval. Our engineers and architects have knowledge of all the codes mentioned in the 45 chapters in the New York City Fire Code. We are also aware of the latest industry developments and best practices which ensure your plans sail through the approval process without any hindrances.

It's always wise to have your plans drafted by a professional so that you don't need to correct or change them afterward. A foolproof plan or design gets quick approval from the FDNY and saves you both time and cost.

1. Surveys and Inspections

We will send our team of qualified professionals to survey and inspect the current state of your building. Our review will include all building components that fall under the FDNY regulations, such as fire detection systems and fire protection systems. Based on the inspection, we can prepare a full list of services necessary to address the issues or discrepancies.

We can also design full system replacements and additions to your current infrastructure to make them compliant. Our team will carry out comprehensive survey of all related building systems so that we can create accurate and detailed plans.

2. Plans and Designs

We will draw up a complete plan with all the necessary changes based on the findings of our inspection. If you are constructing a new building, our team will develop the plans following all the applicable fire codes and restrictions.

We prepare full floor plans and riser diagrams as required by the Fire Department for issuing a permit. Our team also handles the designing of fire detection systems and fire protection systems and determine their optimum placement. The plans will accommodate all regulations like allowing spaces for fire escapes, clear passage to shaftways, use of appropriate materials and finishes and so on.

3. Filing and Applications

We will submit all necessary plans and documents to the FDNY. Our team will work with FDNY officials to get your permit in the shortest time possible. The Fire Department will issue the permit after reviewing your plans and ensuring the design meets all applicable codes.

After you receive the permit, you can begin your construction.

Construction Administration

Your construction should follow the plans accurately so that you can avoid any changes that violate the codes. You can work with our recommended contractors where we can guarantee a zero-change order. We will also manage and oversee the construction work, ensuring everything is built according to the FDNY-approved plans.

Proper construction prevents any deviations from the plans and saves you additional work and expenses that may occur for non-compliance.

If opted, our engineers will also oversee the installation of your fire detection and protection systems. This ensures that your work will be quickly approved by the FDNY after the construction is complete.

4. Pre-Inspection

Your building, fire detection systems and fire protection systems will need to go through another round of inspections to get the final approval from FDNY. We will inspect your project and verify compliance with the approved plans from the Fire Department.

We will list all deviations and discrepancies so that your contractor can resolve them before the inspection by the FDNY.

5. Assistance with FDNY Inspections

If you want, we can send our engineers to be present when the FDNY sends its inspection team. Our presence will make sure that the inspections go smoothly without any problems. We can also address issues and concerns of the inspector and help him as necessary.

It's always wise to have someone who can answer all the questions that come up during the inspection.

6. Final Approvals

The final step in the compliance process is to obtain the Letter of Approval from the FDNY. Our team will follow up with the Fire Department to expedite the process and get your approval without delays. If any additional issues are identified, we will ensure they are addressed in a timely manner.

Following is a list of additional services we offer for our clients-

• Comprehensive design of fire protection systems
• Comprehensive design of fire alarm systems
• Designing fire protection plans
• Design of floor plans or fire safety and emergency action plans
• Consultation on fire and building codes
• Expedited approvals from FDNY
• Expedited services for FDNY inspections and Letter of Approval
• Pre-inspection of fire systems and installations
• Remedial plans for FDNY and fire code violations
• Diligence reporting