LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT

1
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND
CORRECTIONSOFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE
ENFORCEMENT AND BUILDING SAFETY

• How to Eliminate Not-In-Compliance and Hold
  Letters for Fire Alarm Systems Submittals
  Exemption Requests
• Michael C. McLean
• Staff Fire Alarm Specialist

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What are we going to discuss today?

• Identify common problems and mistakes made in
  submittals for required fire alarm request for
  exemptions, non-required fire alarm request for
  exemptions and shop drawing reviews.
• Review SFM policies and procedures as they apply
  to these submittals.
• Who should be involved and not involved in the
  design/submittal/review process.

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What are our goals?

• Eliminate any confusion industry may have about
  the design/submittal/review process. So
  questions are welcomed.
• Reduce the number of Not-In-Compliance and Hold
  Letters on these fire alarm submittals.
• Establish a point of contact from each licensed
  firm about submittals.
• Increase the turn around time on better prepared
  submittals.

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Only listed qualifiers of a firm shall be listed
on applications for full plan review or exemption
to full plan review. Additionally, any
correspondence regarding a submittal, to include
but not be limited to, telephone, e-mail or
written correspondence, shall only be through a
listed qualifier of the firm, owner of the firm,
a professional of record or owner of the building.
LAC 55V3055 (B) states the following
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How is LAC 55V3055 (B) going to impact
industry?

• This includes contact name area on both
  applications and exemption request forms.
• Currently this office is giving written warnings
  in the responses identifying individuals that are
  not the owner or NICET qualifier of the fire
  alarm company.
• Exemptions and Plan Review Applications are being
  modified to eliminate the contact name area.
• A memorandum shall be forthcoming outlining such
  submittals that continue to list the non-NICET
  individuals with a time frame that such
  submittals shall be automatically found
  not-in-compliance, a complaint forward to
  licensing section and suspension of use of
  exemption request privileges for the fire alarm
  firm.

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What was the cause of such drastic measures?

• In the past couple of years this office has
  noticed a growing number of submittals lacking
  basic information that has been distributed to
  industry and posted on website for years.
• This office has discovered a number of submittals
  being handled by fire alarm techs and other
  non-fire alarm employees (i.e. sprinkler, fire
  extinguisher, etc qualifiers) and were
  circumventing the NICET fire alarm qualifier for
  the fire alarm company.

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What was the cause of such drastic measures?

• More troubling was the discovery of non-licensed
  employees (i.e. salesmen, secretaries, etc)
  preparing submittals as the contact person on
  applications and exemption request forms. These
  individuals have been reported to the licensing
  section when discovered.

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How did the cause and effect of this issue impact
the State Fire Marshal Office Plan Review Section?

• It increased our time educating non-NICET
  qualified individuals on established SFM policies
  and procedures for fire alarm system submittals.
• Increased time interacting with individuals not
  versed on how to submit fire alarm projects via
  meetings, emails and phone calls which results in
  a decrease in review time to get these submittals
  back to you.
• Therefore based on LAC 55V3055 (B), the plan
  reviewers shall only be taking phone calls,
  emails and meetings that concern specific fire
  alarm submittals from either the NICET qualifier
  and/or the owner of the fire alarm firm.
  Violators shall be reported to the licensing
  section per forthcoming memorandum.

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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption

• SFM Architectural Project Number
• Explain under description of work why there is no
  architectural project number or attach a letter
  explaining the scope of work
• Professional of Record
• An exemption is quick review.
• Provide the listing documentation and identify
  the devices by make and model .

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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
THIS FORM IS REQUIRED IF 1) ALTERATIONS ARE MADE
TO AN EXISTING SYSTEM THAT INVOLVES FROM ONE (1)
TO TEN (10) DEVICES. 2) THE SCOPE OF WORK
COMPLIES WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL MEMORANDUM
DATED MARCH 4, 1998 USE OF FIRE ALARM
EXEMPTION REQUEST FORM FOR REPLACEMENT OF FIRE
ALARM PANELS. 3) THE SCOPE OF WORK COMPLIES WITH
STATE FIRE MARSHAL MEMORANDUM 99-2 FIRE
ALARM EXEMPTION REQUEST FORMS FOR SUPERVISED
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AND ELEVATOR
RECALL. 4) THE WORK IS A SERVICE CALL THAT
EXCEEDS FOUR (4) OR MORE DEVICES IN ACCORDANCE
WITH STATE FIRE MARSHAL MEMORANDUM 2000 17
FIRE ALARM SERVICE CALLS.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
M E M O R A N D U M TO Plan Review Staff,
Inspections, Licensing Division and Fire Alarm
Contractors FROM Jerry W. Jones, Deputy
Assistant Secretary/Chief Architect RE Use of
the Fire Alarm Exemption Request Form for
Replacement of Fire Alarm Panels DATE March 4,
1998 Please be advised that effective
immediately, the State Fire Marshals Office
shall allow the fire alarm exemption request form
to be used for the replacement of existing
inadequate fire alarm panels (obsolete, lightning
damage, etc.). If the non-functioning panel is
being replaced by the same panel, then please
document that information on the exemption form
under "Description of Work". If, however, the
non-functioning panel is being replaced by a
different make or model number panel, then it is
the responsibility of the owner and contractor to
provide the necessary information to this office
to determine that the new panel will function
properly with the existing fire alarm system.
(cont.)
12
Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) The non- functioning panel shall be
replaced with a panel listed with the same
signaling system and supervisory functions (i.e.
panel listed for a central station cannot be
replaced by a panel listed for remote station.)
If the existing fire alarm system and the smoke
detectors are two-wire, then provide the
compatibility information on the replacement
panel and the smoke detectors. This policy
change will cut down on the needless bureaucracy
to help ensure safe buildings. Remember, the
exemption request process is a request to allow
modifications without submission of formal plans,
specifications (shop drawings) or design
documents pursuant to LRS 401737B. It is a
QUESTION. Where we feel the work will not
adversely impact the performance of the system
and we feel that we have been provided the
sufficient information to allow the work to
proceed without a formal review, we will grant
the request if not, the request for exemption
will be denied. JWJ/MCM/adg
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
MEMORANDUM 99-2 TO Plan Review Staff, Inspection
Staff, Licensing Division, Architects,
Engineers and Fire Alarm Contractors FROM Jerry
W. Jones Deputy Assistant Secretary/Chief
Architect RE Fire Alarm Exemption Request Forms
for Supervised Automatic Sprinkler Systems and
Elevator Recall DATE April 6, 1999 In an effort
to help expedite minor required systems through
the review process, this office shall allow fire
alarm control panels being utilized only for the
supervision of automatic sprinkler systems in
accordance with 1017-7.2 or a fire alarm
control panel being utilized only for elevator
recall in accordance with 723-8.14 to be
submitted on the Fire Alarm Exemption Request
Form. This will cut down on the review time and
ultimately construction delays. (cont.)
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) The only difference between this
exemption request and the typical request is,
this exemption request must include the
manufacturers cut sheets on the panel, smoke
detectors, heat detectors, and battery
calculations for Elevator Recall Systems or cut
sheets on the panel, water flow switches, tamper
switches, battery calculations and identification
of the signaling system type for a Supervised
Automatic Sprinkler System. Please be advised
that this office policy applies only to buildings
that are not required by code to have a fire
alarm system but are required by other code
sections to have these systems supervised. JWJ/mcm
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
M E M O R A N D U M 2000 - 16 To Licensed
Architects, Licensed Engineers, Licensed Fire
Alarm Contractors, Licensed Fire Suppression
Contractors, Boyd Petty - Supervisor of Licensing
and Fire Information, Marc Reech - Regional
Manager of Fire Safety/Arson, Stephen Gogreve -
Regional Manager of Fire Safety/Arson, Pat Day
- Supervisor of Health Care Inspections and Plan
Review Staff From Jean Carter - Architect
Supervisor, Henry Reed - Architect Supervisor and
Don Zeringue - Architect Supervisor Approved by
Mark F. Gates, Deputy Assistant Secretary Date
August 18, 2000 Re Fire Alarm Service Calls This
office has become aware of the potential delays
and added costs to building owners, for work
involving the submittal and review process for
service calls to an existing building fire alarm
system. Many times, during a routine inspection
or site visit by a licensed fire alarm
contractor, minor deficiencies may be detected in
the field, and these deficiencies have the
potential of being remedied at that same visit.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) However, because of the requirement that
a fire alarm system exemption review request be
submitted to and processed by this office, the
work has been delayed in the past. Therefore, the
contractor must make a second trip to rectify the
deficiency(ies), subsequent to our review. In
order to circumvent these potential delays and
costs associated with service calls to an
existing fire alarm system, this office hereby
relieves all licensed fire alarm contractors from
the requirement to submit an exemption request
for a very minor service call. A very minor
service call is defined as follows Work that
involves the replacement of a maximum of three
(3) devices within an existing fire alarm system.
Devices are limited to heat detectors, smoke
detectors, water flow/pressure switches, manual
pulls, horns, strobes, and horn/strobe combination
s. Please be advised that if the service call
work involves four (4) or more devices, then a
fire alarm modification request for exemption
form shall be submitted to the State
Fire Marshals Office within twenty-four (24)
hours after the service call has been
completed. (cont.)
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) Alarm panel replacements are not
applicable for this limited relief from
submittal. Panel changes must be submitted as a
full review or pursuant to the March 4, 1998
memorandum. All in-kind, exact replacements of
existing devices, including fire alarm control
panels, are considered maintenance and, therefore
are not required to be submitted to this office.
The intent of this revised policy is to save
building owners time and money for subsequent
service calls, by allowing submittal relief to
the fire alarm contractors, under the auspices of
their licensing authority. If this office
determines that this policy is abused by the
distribution of larger amounts of fire alarm
revision work over time, then this relief
policy will be modified or rescinded. JCC/mcm Cc
Michael C. McLean Staff Fire Alarm
Specialist Sherri Montagnino, Imaging
Files L\Memorandums\ Fire Alarm Service Calls
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
THIS FORM IS NOT REQUIRED IF 1) THE SCOPE OF
WORK IS TO REPLACE IDENTICAL DEVICES (EXACT MAKE
AND MODEL NUMBER). THIS WORK IS VIEWED AS
MAINTENANCE. 2) THE FIELD INSPECTOR SPECIFICALLY
CITES WHERE AND HOW MANY DEVICES NEED TO
BE MODIFIED OR ADDED (NOT TO EXCEED TEN (10), IN
ACCORDANCE WITH STATE FIRE MARSHAL MEMORANDUM
DATED MARCH 9, 2000 ADDITION OF DEVICES IN
RESPONSE TO INSPECTION CITATION. 3) THE WORK IS
A SERVICE CALL THAT DOES NOT EXCEED THREE (3) OR
MORE DEVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE FIRE
MARSHAL MEMORANDUM 2000 16 FIRE ALARM
SERVICE CALLS.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
M E M O R A N D U M 2000 - 16 To Licensed
Architects, Licensed Engineers, Licensed Fire
Alarm Contractors, Licensed Fire Suppression
Contractors, Boyd Petty - Supervisor of Licensing
and Fire Information, Marc Reech - Regional
Manager of Fire Safety/Arson, Stephen Gogreve -
Regional Manager of Fire Safety/Arson, Pat Day
- Supervisor of Health Care Inspections and Plan
Review Staff From Jerry W. Jones, Deputy
Assistant Secretary/Chief Architect Date March
9, 2000 Re Addition of Devices in Response to
Inspection Citations Where a Fire Marshal Deputy
inspector inspects a fire alarm system and
determines that additional fire alarm devices are
required to achieve code compliance, it shall be
the policy of this office to allow the ordered
corrective work to proceed without the submission
of an exemption request or formal plan review
submittal subject to the following stipulations
(cont.)
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) 1. Limited to manual pull stations, smoke
detectors, heat detectors and audible/visual
notifications appliances. 2. Limited to a maximum
of ten devices. 3. Contractor shall provide
revised battery calculations to the inspector. 4.
Contractor shall provide all information
concerning the devices listing and compatibility
(i.e. 2-wire smoke detectors and certain heat
detectors). The inspector shall cite each
deficiency in accordance with the applicable code
and shall issue a order on the inspection report
to add the additional devices. This policy allows
the inspector to require up to a total of ten of
the previously identified fire alarm devices due
to system deficiencies discovered in the field.
If the number of required additional devices
exceeds ten, then the inspector shall require
shop drawings to be re-submitted to the plan
reviewer with an application, appropriate review
fee and a copy of the inspector report
identifying the deficiencies. Please also note
that this policy shall not apply to other fire
alarm systems components such as additional fire
alarm control panels, digital alarm communication
equipment or similar devices cited by inspection.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
A FULL PLAN REVIEW IS REQUIRED IF 1) THE FIRE
ALARM CONTROL PANEL IS REPLACED WITH ONE THAT IS
NOT IDENTICAL. 2) THE FIRE ALARM SIGNALING SYSTEM
TYPE IS BEING MODIFIED (LOCAL TO REMOTE
STATION). 3) COMPONENTS OF THE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
ARE REPLACED WITH ONES THAT ARE NOT IDENTICAL
AND/OR REQUIRE CALCULATIONS. 4) QUANITY OF
DEVICES EXCEED TEN (10). 5) BOTH FIRE ALARM
CONTROL PANEL AND DEVICES ARE BEING REPLACED.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
ALL APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THIS FORM MUST BE
COMPLETED, OR THE EXEMPTION REQUEST WILL BE
DENIED. 1) PROVIDE DATE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW,
IF APPLICABLE. 2) PROVIDE PROJECT TITLE, NAME OF
BUILDING AND LOCATION. 3) PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL OF
RECORD OR OWNER. 4) PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION
PERTINENT TO THE FIRE SYSTEM BEING ALTERED IF
IT IS AN ALARM OR SUPPRESSION SYSTEM OR BOTH.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
BUILDING AND HAZARD DATA. TYPE (S) OF ALARM
SYSTEM OR SERVICE. TYPE OF SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
(HALON, DRY CHEMICAL, FOAM, ETC ) GOVERNING
NFPA STANDARD DESCRIBE BRIEFLY ALTERATION BEING
PERFORMED (NOZZLE BEING RELOCATED DUE TO
STOVE REPLACEMENT OR ADDING A SMOKE DETECTOR DUE
TO AN ENLARGEMENT OF A ROOM). CHECK THE
APPROPRIATE BOX FOR ALTERATION PERFORMED,
IDENTIFY THE QUANTITIES AND MANUFACTURERS MAKE
AND MODEL NUMBER OF EACH DEVICE.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
5) PROVIDE DOCUMNETATION FROM AN INDEPENDENT
TESTING LAB IDENTIFYING THE LISTING OF EACH
DEVICE (EFFECTIVE 1/1/03). 6) PROVIDE A BRIEF
DESCRIPTION OF ANY EFFECT THE ALTERATION HAD ON
THE EXISTING SYSTEM (I.E. INCREASE BATTERY SIZE
TO ACCOMIDATE THE ADDITIONAL LOAD). 7) ENTER
LICENSED COMPANY INFORMATION, NICET CERTIFICATE
HOLDERS NAME AND LOUISIANA STATE FIRE MARSHAL
CERTIFICATE NUMBER.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
MEMORANDUM TO Plan Review Staff Fire Alarm
Contractors FROM Don Zeringue Chief
Architect RE Listing Documentation on all Fire
Alarm Devices DATE October 8, 2002 In an effort
to reduce the review time of all fire alarm
submittals and required fire alarm exemption
request forms, the plan review section shall
require documentation from an independent testing
lab on all fire alarm devices. This documentation
shall indicate that these devices are listed for
fire alarm use in accordance with NFPA 72
National Fire Code. 721-5.1.2 requires that
equipment constructed and installed in
conformity with this code shall be listed for the
purpose for which it is used. (cont.)
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) Equipment listing typically provides
information pertaining to the allowable use such
as compatibility, ambient conditions, voltage
tolerances, etc Fire alarm equipment must be
installed in conformance with the listings to
meet the requirements of NFPA 72. Such
information must be verified in the plan review
process. Unfortunately, many of our reviewers are
spending too much time searching fire protection
directories and websites to verify cross listings
of private labeled devices. In some cases, after
an exhausted search by the plan reviewer, the
project is found not in compliance because it
appears that non-listed devices would be
installed. In actuality, the listing for the
private labeled device was under
another manufacturers name. (cont.)
27
Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) Therefore, this office shall require
listing documentation from an independent testing
lab on all fire alarm devices (i.e. strobes,
manual pull stations, horns, control panel, etc
) and all fire alarm components (i.e. control
modules, power boosters, power extenders, etc )
for all required fire alarm exemption request
forms and all fire alarm plan review submittals
after January 1, 2003. Acceptable documentation
shall be from Underwriters Laboratories,
Factory Mutual or Warnock Hersey. Such
documentation may be photo-copied from a fire
protection directory or printed out from a
testing lab website and the device shall be
identified from the remainder of the text (i.e.
underlined, circled or high-lighted). For devices
and components that are private labeled (without
multiple listings), documentation from the
manufacturer shall be provided, proving that the
devices are listed by an acceptable testing
organization. Failure to provide this
documentation after January 1, 2003 shall cause
the fire alarm plan review submittal to be found
not in compliance and the required fire alarm
exemption request to be denied.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Information on Back
IF ALL INFORMATION IS COMPLETE, THE FORM MAYBE
MAILED, FAXED TO THE PLAN REVIEW SECTION OF STATE
FIRE MARSHALS OFFICE FOR REVIEW. AN INVOICE FOR
THE REVIEW CHARGES WILL BE MAILED FROM THE STATE
FIRE MARSHALS OFFICE. THE USE OF THE EXEMPTION
REQUEST FORM IS A PRIVILEGE AND CAN BE SUSPENDED
OR EVEN REVOKED BY THIS OFFICE IF DOCUMENTED
ABUSE OCCURS AS OUTLINED IN STATE FIRE MARSHAL
MEMORANDUM DATED JUNE 11, 2002 USE OF
EXEMPTION REQUEST FORMS.
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
MEMORANDUM To Licensed Fire Alarm
Contractors From V. J. Bella State Fire
Marshal Date June 11, 2002 Re Use of Exemption
Request Forms The use of the exemption request
forms presently allows licensed contractors to
perform minor fire alarm work and install locking
systems with minimum plan review time. The use of
these exemption request forms is also a privilege
and may be rescinded if documented abuse occurs.
This office has recently determined that several
contractor firms and/or their employees have
abused the exemption request process (Required
Fire Alarm, Non-Required fire Alarm, Access
Control and Delayed Egress Locking Systems, and
Special Locking Systems for Healthcare
Occupancies). (cont.)
30
Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) Therefore, in an effort to eliminate
future exemption form misuse, this office
implements the following policy to hold those
contractors and individuals misusing the current
system accountable for their actions. Abuses of
the exemption request policy are listed and
defined as follows 1. Attempting to install or
replace a complete required fire alarm system
Using an exemption request form to provide an
operational fire alarm system required by code
and circumventing the plan review process. 2.
Falsifying information To provide misleading or
fraudulent information on the exemption request
form. 3. Submitting multiple copies of the same
exemption request form Providing more than one
copy of an original exemption request form in
what appears to be an attempt to achieve a
favorable reply. 4. Segmenting a plan review
submittal into multiple exemption request forms
Dividing a typical required fire alarm plan
review submittal into more than one submittal in
order to circumvent the plan review process.
(cont.)
31
Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) 5. Delinquency of payment Not paying the
exemption request "Fee" within 45 calendar days
of original review. 6. Delinquency of maintaining
license Allowing the firm's or individual's
State Fire Marshal License to lapse. If this
office determines that a fire protection
contractor or burglar alarm contractor has abused
the current policy, then that firm shall be
subjected to the following 1. First Violation
Suspension from the use of all exemption request
forms for six months. 2. Second Violation
Suspension from the use of all exemption request
forms for one year. 3. Third Violation
Indefinite suspension from use of all exemption
request forms. Although only one office/NICET
qualifier maybe in violation of
these requirements, all of that companys firms
using that qualifier shall be considered as
having violated the exemption request policy.
(cont.)
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Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption
Associated Memorandum
(cont.) Additionally, firms or individuals found
to have violated the exemption request process
will be turned over to the Fire Marshal Licensing
Section for possible administrative penalties.
This policy is necessary to prevent abuses of the
current policy, to create a level playing field
among all licensed contractors, and to protect
the citizens of this state. VJB/MLM/mld cc Plan
Review Staff Inspections Division Licensing
Division L\PLAN REVIEW FILES\Memoranda\Memorandum
s\Use of Exemption Request Forms.doc
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Non-Required Fire Alarm Request for Exemption

• SFM Architectural Project Number
• Explain under description of work why there is no
  architectural project number or attach a letter
  explaining the scope of work
• Professional of Record more than likely isnt
  required due to the scope of work.
• Most important thing is to provide enough
  information for the plan reviewer determine if
  the proposed system is or is not required by
  code.

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Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application

• SFM Architectural Project Number
• Explain under description of work why there is no
  architectural project number or attach a letter
  explaining the scope of work
• Professional of Record

35
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application

• SFM Architectural Project Number
• Explain under description of work why there is no
  architectural project number or attach a letter
  explaining the scope of work
• Professional of Record

36
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application -
Instructions
37
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application
Review Fee Schedule
Devices are limited to visual notification
appliances, system smoke detectors and system
heat detectors.
38
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application
Mandatory Rejection List
MEMORANDUM Date February 2, 2000 Re Fire Alarm
System Review Rejection List In order to help
maintain consistency regarding the issuance of
Not-In-Compliance fire alarm review letters, this
office has established the following rejection
list. Please be advised that this memorandum
revises and supersedes an intra office memorandum
dated March 25, 1998. Only the following items
shall be cause for rejection by the Fire Marshal
Review Staff. The staff shall be required to
automatically reject any submittal that is
deficient with respect to any one item from the
following items. 1. The fire alarm contractor is
not licensed for the scope of work submitted.
Examples The contractor is not licensed in
Louisiana. A "D-1" licensee cannot design and
install fire alarm systems required by code.
(cont.)
39
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application
Mandatory Rejection List
(cont.) 2. Shop drawings not reviewed by the
professional of record (when required), prior to
submission. At least one type of professional of
record verification is required in the submittal
package Shop drawing review stamp, professional
of record information on the Plan Review
Application, or cover/transmittal letter from
the professional of record. 3. No prior
architectural review (when one is required).
Indicate the previous architectural review number
(P0 number) at the top of the sheet or provide a
copy of the review letter. If no architectural
review is indicated in the submittal, this office
will make a brief search from our database. 4.
Existing architectural review has a "Preliminary
or Not-In-Compliance" status. 5. No response is
received from our request for pertinent
information, via a "Deadline Imposed" or
"Information Request" letter. (cont.)
40
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application
Mandatory Rejection List
(cont.) 6. Fire alarm control panel is not listed
for compatibility with all signals to be
received. Examples Whenever emergency forces
notification or a supervised automatic sprinkler
system is required by the code, the fire alarm
control panel must be listed for this type
service. Two-wire smoke detectors and some heat
detectors are required to be compatible with the
control panel. 7. Submittal is incomplete.
Examples Candela ratings of strobes are not
identified. Ceiling heights are not indicated
when ceiling mounted strobes are used. Rooms,
spaces and areas are not identified. Battery
calculations are not provided. Manufacturers
spec sheets are not provided. Sequence of
operation not provided. 8. Design is deficient.
Examples Insufficient coverage from strobes,
heat detectors, or smoke detectors (20 to 25 of
required devices missing from shop
drawings). (cont.)
41
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Application
Mandatory Rejection List
(cont.) If for any reason, other than those items
listed above, a staff member feels a rejection is
warranted, consultation and concurrence with the
Architectural Supervisor or Deputy
Assistant Secretary/Chief Architect must occur,
prior to issuance of a Not-In-Compliance letter.
Also note that if a resubmittal is pending a
second Not-In-Compliance, the reviewer shall
contact the applicant and explain the
non-conformances, prior to release of the second
Not-In-Compliance letter. JCC/MCM/jcc Cc Marc
Reech, Executive Staff Officer Michael C. McLean,
Staff Fire Alarm Specialist
42
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
The purpose of the check list was to be used as a
tool to help you provide better fire alarm shop
drawings submittals and eliminate
Not-in-Compliance and Hold Letters.
Unfortunately a majority of the submittals we
have received, the fire alarm contractor has
placed a copy a the checklist filled out years
ago and it has no relevance to the submittal. If
you follow the checklist and your system complies
with NFPA codes and standards, then your
submittal shouldnt be found Not-in-Compliance or
placed on hold for additional information.
43
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
PLAN REVIEW APPLICATION ___ 1. Indicate the
applicable State Fire Marshal Architectural (New
Construction or Renovation) Review number
associated with this fire alarm submittal. The
existing architectural review letter cannot be a
"Preliminary", "Not In Compliance", "Deadline
Imposed" or "Information Request" type. ___ 2. If
the architectural scope of work is exempt from a
review by this office, then provide a copy of the
exemption notice/letter. ___ 3. If the fire alarm
design is based on an existing State Fire Marshal
appeal letter, furnish copy. ___ 4. If fire alarm
work is resultant from an inspection (State Fire
Marshal, sprinkler contractor, fire department,
etc.), provide copy of report. ___ 5. Submittals
shall be designed pursuant to code editions
currently in effect (1997 2006 NFPA 101, 1996
2002 NFPA 72). Applicants requesting reviews
under alternate code editions shall provide
written request, stating reasons for
deviation. (cont.)
44
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
(cont.) ___ 6. Project name, address, occupancy,
and owner denoted on application, and matches
that of architectural review. ___ 7. Cost of fire
alarm system is denoted. ___ 8. Shop drawings
shall be reviewed by the professional of record
(when required), prior to submission. ___ 9.
"Preparer of Shop Drawings" information complete.
All information shall match the "State Fire
Marshal Fire Protection Licensing Registration
Listing of Certified Firms" (D000 firm
number) ___10. The fire alarm contractor shall
be licensed for the scope of work submitted.
Examples The contractor must be licensed in
Louisiana. A "D-1" licensee cannot design and
install fire alarm systems required by code.
Contractor's license must be current. ___11.
Check all boxes that are applicable to this
submittal - Fire Alarm System, Voice Evac
Required, New Building, Renovation, Change In
use, Tenant Finish, Shell Only, etc. (cont.)
45
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
(cont.) ___12. Fire Alarm System Type Check
applicable box - Local, Auxiliary, Remote
Station, Central Station (include Central Station
name and address as listed in UL
Directory). ___13. Fee computation is correct and
check is attached (check may be made to
"LADPS"). ___14. If a fire alarm system is
required pursuant to NFPA 101, but contains
non-conforming components pursuant to NFPA 72
(e.g. component spacing/location is altered such
as 3 smoke detectors in a room requiring 4,
substitution of component type such as heat
detectors in lieu of smoke detectors, a partial
system, etc.), the professional of record
(otherwise owner) shall provide specific
documentation requesting these deviations from
the code.
46
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
SHOP DRAWINGS ___ 1. Drawings are to be legible
blue line prints, photocopies, or live computer
plots (any live ink or pencil applied by hand is
not acceptable), and all drawn to scale. ___ 2.
Professional of record shop drawing review stamp
on the top sheet. ___ 3. Denote all door swings
(to confirm smoke compartmentation), and all
exits. ___ 4. Reflected ceilings are clearly
denoted, including all ceiling heights, light
fixture types/locations, HVAC opening
types/locations, and all architectural features
(joists, beams, coffers, furrs, etc,) extending
more than 4 inches from the ceiling plane. ___ 5.
Submittal must be complete. Examples Candela
ratings of strobes shall be identified. Ceiling
heights shall be indicated when ceiling mounted
strobes are used. Rooms, spaces and areas shall
be identified. (cont.)
47
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
(cont.) Battery calculations shall be provided.
Manufacturers spec sheets shall be provided.
Provide brief description of the sequence of
operations. Include all fire alarm system
sequences that interact with other building
systems (sprinkler, fire suppression, elevator
recall, etc.). All components (initiating
devices, notification appliances, transmission,
annunciation, etc.), are clearly identified and
located to scale (see 1., above). Denote all
detector and strobe spacing. Indicate special
initiation devices (delayed locks, sprinkler flow
switches, elevator recall smoke detectors,
etc.) ___ 6. Differentiate between all existing
and proposed components. If system or portion is
existing, indicate date of existing
system installation, or date of prior substantial
system renovation. (All new work is reviewed
pursuant to the 1996 2002 NFPA 72. Replacements
"in-kind" are pursuant to applicable NFPA 72
edition at time of construction, in accordance
with LA RS55V103.) (cont.)
48
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
(cont.) ___ 7. Denote all system zones (e.g.
signal receiving zones, signal sending zones,
fire wall compartments, zones per floor
etc.). ___ 8. Riser diagram to indicate all zones
and include all devices and components within
each zone. ___ 9. Provide symbol schedule
(symbols to be consistent with shop drawings).
Identify devices by generic names (not
manufacturer's special names, unless
specified). ___10. Design must comply with code.
Proper coverage shall be provided from strobes,
heat detectors, or smoke detectors (20 to 25 of
required devices must not be missing from shop
drawings). ___11. Designate type(s) of wire
utilized, and color of insulation or other
marking method, enabling SFM inspector to verify
compatibility between shop drawings and field
installation. ___12. Designate conduit type(s),
and locate all riser/plenum runs.
49
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
BATTERY CALCULATIONS FOR SECONDARY POWER
SUPPLY ___ 1. Calculations to be complete.
Indicate all electric current required in
supervision and alarm conditions. ___ 2. Provide
calculations on battery manufacturer's standard
form. ___ 3. Denote capacity of battery, and
confirm adequate size when operating under the
full-calculated load. MANUFACTURER'S SPEC
SHEETS ___ 1. Provide complete list of all system
components and devices, with manufacturer and
model numbers of each. ___ 2. Provide
manufacturer's spec sheets for all system
components and devices. ___ 3. Provide U.L. Fire
Protection Equipment Directory, latest edition
page copies, with each component and device
highlighted. Verify that the U.L. listing as
denoted on the spec sheets are identified in U.L.
(If manufacturer has been bought out by another,
please indicate such.) (cont.)
50
Fire Alarm Shop Drawing Review Checklist
(cont.) ___ 4. Fire alarm control panel shall
be listed for compatibility with all signals to
be received. Examples Whenever emergency forces
notification or a supervised automatic sprinkler
system is required by the code, the fire alarm
control panel must be listed for this type
service. Two-wire smoke detectors and some heat
detectors are required to be compatible with the
control panel. ___ 5. Verify that the fire alarm
control panel is listed for compatibility with
all signals to be received. ___ 6. Highlight
applicable data on each sheet (if spec sheets
contain erroneous information not applicable to
this project). ___ 7. Identify all option
features.
51
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND
CORRECTIONSOFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE
ENFORCEMENT AND BUILDING SAFETY

• State Fire Marshal Questions
• Plan Review Seminar
• LA-AFAA Quarterly Meeting
• January 23, 2009

52
Question No. 1Since NFPA (as far as I can tell)
does not give ANY directions on Waterflows
being Silenceable or Non-Silenceable. Can
the SFM give us a clear direction? Some say yes
and others say no. All new Fire panels (Notifier)
listed 9th Edition will not let us even choose
Silenceable. I have also contacted other
members and they too tell me their panels are
like that. This answer also needs to be given to
all the field inspectors.
NFPA 101 and NFPA 72 do not address this issue.
Therefore waterflow alarms maybe silenced per
724.4.3.7.
53
Question No. 2Since the city of West Monroe does
finals on Education buildings inside city, How do
we, know that the project is CLEARED out on the
State level or do we need to be concerned?
The fire alarm contractor should be at the final
inspection to test the system so the fire
prevention bureau should be able to give them a
copy of their report. Question Are the fire
prevention bureaus requiring the fire alarm
contractor to be at the final inspection when
they are conducting their final inspection?
54
Question No. 3Plan Review requires submittal of
a Sequence of Operation for approval. There are
times when, for various reasons, the Sequence of
Operation will change and alter what has been
approved. For minor changes within code
compliance such as changing from duct detector
sending an alarm signal to sending a supervisory
signal, does the local inspector have the
authority to approve changes to the Sequence of
Operation, without resubmittal/approval from Plan
Review? If the answer to the above is yes,
please give examples of situations that would
allow the local inspector to approve changes and
examples that would require resubmittal to Plan
Review for approval.
No. Changes shall be submitted to the plan
reviewer as correspondence from the owner and/or
design professional.
55
Question No. 4Use of the Exemption Request is
limited to a maximum of 10 devices. It has been
stated by Plan Review that, depending on
circumstances, this quantity may be exceeded if
requested and approved in advance. Please give
examples of situations that may apply where an
excess of 10 devices would be allowed to be
submitted as an Exemption Request.
Have the NICET qualifier or the owner of the fire
alarm company give either Jim Waite or Michael
McLean a call to discuss the possibility of
exceeding 10 devices on an exemption request.
This office handles each on a case by case base.
Examples 1) Adding 1 to 2 visual devices with 10
pull stations. 2) Adding or replacing 22 smoke
detectors in elevator lobbies in a 22 story
high-rise.
56
Question No. 5A Fire Alarm Contractor has been
awarded a project for a tenant space renovation.
It is discovered that there have been no
architectural plans submitted for review of the
renovation. What action should the Fire Alarm
Contractor take in this situation?
Here are a few suggestions 1) The fire alarm
contractor can notify the owner that the
architectural work is required by state law (R.S.
401574) to be submitted to the Office of the
State Fire Marshal for plan review. 2) The fire
alarm contractor can contact the district office
to send an inspector to the site to require plans
to be submitted for plan review. The fire alarm
contractor should not ignore the issue and submit
his shop drawings, because the submittal will be
placed on hold to request the architectural
review number and eventually found
not-in-compliance. (cont.)
57
Question No. 5A Fire Alarm Contractor has been
awarded a project for a tenant space renovation.
It is discovered that there have been no
architectural plans submitted for review of the
renovation. What action should the Fire Alarm
Contractor take in this situation?
(cont.) A complaint may also be forward to the
licensing section. If the submittal is a
Required Fire Alarm Exemption, then the submittal
is automatically found not-in-compliance, a
complaint shall be filed with the licensing
section and the privilege of submitting exemption
request shall be suspended per SFM Memorandum -
"Use of Exemption Request Forms" (dated 6/11/02).
58
Question No. 6For access control systems where
all the doors being controlled are using door
strikes on perimeter doors only, is a submittal
to the state required?
Please be cautious to avoid using terminology
such as "access control systems" when referring
to other types of security systems or devices
such as electric door strikes. Terminology such
as "Access-control system" is easily confused
with "Access-controlled egress door", which is
specifically defined in NFPA 101 as a unique type
of special locking. Using the terminology
"Access-control systems" should be avoided when
referring to types of special locking other than
that prescribed by NFPA 1017.2.1.6.2. (Electric
door strikes are NOT recognized as
"access-controlled egress doors".) To answer
the question at hand According to item 4 of IM
2006-03, "Electric strikes proposed for
installation on exterior doors that allow free
egress in accordance with NFPA 101 will be
permitted to be installed without submittal to
this office for review."
59
Question No. 7Is a submittal required when you
are replacing an existing access control system
and only the panels are being replaced? All field
hardware is remaining as is.
NO, provided the existing conditions comply with
NFPA 1017.2.1.6.2, OR the earlier provisions
permitted by the edition of NFPA 101 applicable
for the particular building.
60
Question No. 8When installing an access control
system where the locking hardware is being
supplied and installed by the hardware
contractor, is it the responsibility of the
access control contractor submitting the locking
system to obtain the hardware information to
include all in one submittal?
Door hardware is not typically applicable for
"access-controlled egress door" installations.
NFPA contains provisions for the installation and
operation of locking and releasing devices used
at access-controlled egress doors. Locking
devices proposed for the installation of
"access-controlled egress doors" are typically
electromagnetic locks. The releasing devices
prescribed by NFPA 1017.2.1.6.2 to provide
unimpeded egress and initiate release of these
electromagnetic locks include a "sensor" that
detects an approaching occupant and a "manual
release device". Locking and releasing devices
prescribed by NFPA 101 for unimpeded egress need
to be identified by MAKE/ MODEL/LISTING in order
to gain approval for special locking installation
requests. Please note that all required special
locking/egress devices shall be listed for the
intended purpose.
61
What if the hardware (locksmith) isn't licensed
for access control?
Installation requests that do not identify a
properly licensed contractor to install special
locking should be and probably will be DENIED.
62
Question No. 9We have encountered several
instances where a "new" fire system has been
requested by the Owner or an addition has been
requested by the Owner. In these instances the
system is a nonrequired system or has been
handled as a service call but an exempt request
needed to be filed with the SFM. In these
instances no Architectural plan review was done
or the Architectural review was done some years
back and the project is just now coming to
fruition. The Exempt Request was bounced back to
us as Non-Compliant due to no architectural
review number. Can we have the SFM review this
type of instance and what we can do about the
process where no architectural review has been
done?
Industry can eliminate a number of
Not-in-Compliance submittals (i.e. Full Shop
Drawing Reviews, Required Exemptions and
Non-Required Exemptions) if some time is taken to
adequately document the scope of work. In this
case explain that it was the owner's decision to
add this non-required fire alarm system to his
building.
63
Question No. 10Can you briefly describe the
Industrial Building Exemption process?
Discuss with Joe Delaune.
64
Question No. 11I was told that Fire Protection
Systems cant be installed in buildings
fabricated out of State. Many modular Refinery
Process Buildings as well as Flammable Liquid
Storage Buildings come fitted with systems. Why
cant the Louisiana Contractor submit for
approval, conduit/wire roughed in out of state,
and system certified by the Louisiana firm once
the building is moved on location in Louisiana?
Discuss with Joe Delaune.
65
Question No. 12A.We were contracted to replace
the fire alarm for an apartment building. I
submitted this system as a Remote Station.
Before the final inspection, the owner decided he
was not going to be monitored. The SFM inspector
certified the system without the system being
monitored. What should I do?
The owner of the firm or NICET qualifier shall
contact the plan reviewer to determine if
monitoring of the fire alarm system is required
(i.e. sprinkler supervision). It may be possible
to be handled as correspondence from the owner.
If the fire alarm system is required to be
monitored, then contact the district supervisor.
66
Question No. 12B.Are we required to notify the
Fire Marshals Office if a non-conforming/non-requ
ired system is red tagged? Red tag would be
removed when customer is able to complete repair
of destruction caused by hurricane.
Yes.
67
Question No. 12C.When a complaint is made
against an individual or a company, the SFM
Office has investigators that do a rigid and
thorough job anonymously. Is there a similar
procedure in place if a complaint is made against
an SFM individual?
When a complaint is made against an individual or
a company, the SFM Office has investigators that
do a rigid and thorough job anonymously. Complaint
s made against State Fire Marshal employees are
taken seriously and are investigated
appropriately and thoroughly.