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 penetrations through the walls, 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 is performing bi-annual audits to field verify existing conditions and document changes that occur over time due to changing technologies and space configurations.
