U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Our field surveys included assessing existing fire protection features and identifying deficiencies in each building. Highlights of our work include the following:

• Documenting existing fire protection features, including exterior exit doors, exit stairs/ramps (exterior or interior), smoke proof enclosures, horizontal exits, exit passageways, fire barriers, smoke barriers and compartments, hazardous areas, suites, and linen/trash chutes
• Evaluating the conditions of fire resistance-rated wall assemblies, including dampers and wall penetrations, smoke barriers, and floor assemblies above the ceiling
• Identifying deficiencies with respect to fire barrier integrity, fire door rating and/or performance, sprinkler spacing, fire alarm location, and smoke detector spacing
• Assessing spaces for proper occupancy classification

SGH created a custom program that allowed us to organize our observations and integrate photos, and also present the VA with a deficiency log, the deficiencies located on existing life safety drawings, and a photo log for each entry.

As part of this work, SGH performs bi-annual audits to field verify existing conditions and document modifications made to accommodate evolving technologies and changes in space configurations.