How to Fail Your Municipal Building Inspections Common Fire Safety Violations.

Common reasons why municipal building inspections fail related to fire safety violations and non-compliance with ICC codes like IBC, IRC, and IFC. Learn key areas inspectors evaluate and tips for ensuring compliance.

Expanded ICC Codes and Reasons for Inspection Failures

Are there any fire-resistive rated walls, floors, and/or ceilings?
- IBC Chapter 7: Non-compliance with fire-resistive rated assemblies.
- IRC Chapter 7: Missing or improperly installed fire-resistive rated assemblies.
Copies of the UL listed fire-stop system(s) on site and available for review by Fire Inspector
- IBC Chapter 7: Lack of documentation.
Verify that the UL listed fire-stop system(s) has been installed in accordance with the listing(s)
- IBC Chapter 7: Improper installation.
- IFC Chapter 7: Fire-stop systems not installed according to UL listings.
Are all fire-stop systems readily "visible and accessible" by ladder or lift for fire inspection?
- IBC Chapter 7: Accessibility issues.
- IFC Chapter 7: Fire-stop systems not accessible.
Is there an "independent" fire-stop contractor/installer?
- IBC Chapter 7: Lack of independent fire-stop contractor.
"Head of Wall" Fire Stop System installed according to UL listings?
- IBC Chapter 7: Incorrect installation.
"Wall to Wall" Fire Stop System installed according to UL listings?
- IBC Chapter 7: Incorrect installation.
"Floor to Wall" Fire Stop System installed according to UL listings?
- IBC Chapter 7: Incorrect installation.
Fire Resistive Wall "Through-Penetrations" installed according to ASTM E 814 or UL 1479, and in accordance with UL Listing(s)?
- IBC 712.3: Non-compliance with ASTM E 814 or UL 1479.
Fire Resistive Wall "Membrane-Penetrations" installed in accordance with IBC 712.3.1?
- IBC 712.3.1: Non-compliance with membrane-penetrations requirements.
Fire Resistive "Horizontal assemblies" (Floor and/or Ceiling) Fire Stop Systems(s) installed according to UL listings and IBC 712.4?
- IBC 712.4: Non-compliance with horizontal assemblies requirements.
Light Fixtures enclosures installed with proper fire resistive "membrane Penetrations" per IBC 712.4.1.2
- IBC 712.4.1.2: Improper installation of light fixtures enclosures.
Non-Fire Resistive "Horizontal assemblies" (Floor and/or Ceiling) Fire Stop System(s) installed according to UL listings and IBC 712.4.2?
- IBC 712.4.2: Non-compliance with non-fire resistive horizontal assemblies requirements.
Combustible plumbing pipe sizes greater than 3 inches in diameter must be provided with "collars" (showing locations) and provide UL listings
- IBC Chapter 7: Lack of collars for combustible plumbing pipes.
Fire Dampers "installed" and "pre-tested" in Fire Resistive Walls in accordance with UL 555 and in accordance with IBC Table 716.3.1?
- IBC 716.3.1: Fire dampers not installed or pre-tested according to UL 555 and IBC Table 716.3.1.
Are they readily "accessible" for testing by fire inspectors with approved "access panels"?
- IBC Chapter 7: Fire dampers not accessible for testing.
Are the dampers "labeled" in accordance with IBC 716.4? HVAC Duct and Air Transfer Openings (Ceilings and Floors)
- IBC 716.4: Dampers not labeled correctly.
"Ceiling Radiation" Fire Dampers "installed" and "pre-tested" in accordance with UL 555c, IBC 716.6.6.2.1, and in accordance with IBC Table 716.3.1?
- IBC 716.6.6.2.1: Ceiling radiation fire dampers not installed or pre-tested according to UL 555c and IBC Table 716.3.1.
Are they readily "accessible" for testing?
- IBC Chapter 7: Dampers not accessible for testing.
Are the dampers "labeled" in accordance with IBC 716.4?
- IBC 716.4: Dampers not labeled correctly.
All electrical wiring is installed and supported properly by building structural beams/columns/trusses per NFPA 70-Article 760?
- IBC Chapter 27: Improper installation and support of electrical wiring.
Attic Access Panels installed with adequate opening size and head space?
- IBC Chapter 7: Inadequate attic access panels.
Location of Lighted Exit Signs with battery backup installed in accordance with plans?
- IBC Chapter 10: Lighted exit signs not installed correctly.
Location of Emergency Lighting with battery backup installed in accordance with plans?
- IBC Chapter 10: Emergency lighting not installed correctly.
Draft Stop installed in Attic Space in accordance with plans?
- IBC Chapter 7: Draft stops not installed in attic space.
Draft Stop installed in "floor/ceiling" assemblies in accordance with plans?
- IBC Chapter 7: Draft stops not installed in floor/ceiling assemblies.
All wiring and ceiling mounted fire alarm devices (smoke detectors) visible and accessible?
- IBC Chapter 9: Fire alarm devices not visible and accessible.
Are all plenum rated materials installed in accordance with IMC 602.2.1?
- IMC 602.2.1: Plenum rated materials not installed according to the code.

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How to Fail Your Municipal Building Inspections: Common Fire Safety Violations.

Expanded ICC Codes and Reasons for Inspection Failures

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