Posted: January 29th, 2023
QUESTION ONE
The scenario in the Unit I Lesson references the use of a foreign-made fire pump to obtain a Partial Certificate of Occupancy (PCO). Reflect on the scenario, and respond to the questions below.
Some may disagree that rationalization encourages you to think critically and to organize your thoughts in a clear, cohesive, and convincing manner. As a professional in fire protection, rationalize using the foreign-made fire pump or not using the fire pump. Does the decision involve ethical behavior? Does using the foreign-made fire pump qualify as right versus right action, or does it qualify as right versus wrong action? Is it unprofessional conduct to use the pump? What are the fundamental values?
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
SCENARIO
Imagine yourself in the shoes of a fire protection engineer designing the fire protection for an addition to a large warehouse distribution center in the fictional City of Washington. During renovation of the building, you need to add a fire pump due to the water supply system’s inability to provide sufficient pressure to meet the design requirements of the additional square footage. Due to the strict time frame of completing renovations and the unavailability of fire pumps required for the system designed, the contractor substitutes a foreign- made fire pump that is not a part of specifications listed.
The fire pump is a horizontal split-case centrifugal pump, which complies with foreign regulations and international codes of practice that are similar to the codes of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In addition, the fire pump meets International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System standards specifically for centrifugal pumps and jockey pumps used in automatic water-based sprinkler installations. However, the foreign-made fire pump is not Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved. The pump meets compliance with the engineer’s design specifications and calculations outlined on the shop drawings. Based on the specifications, the fire pump will develop more than 140% of its rated pressure and will operate at a minimum of 100% of its rated capacity at 100% of its rated pressure. However, when the fire pump arrives, the inlets for the water lines on the suction side require elbows to connect to the potable water source. NFPA 20 strictly prohibits the installation of elbows on the suction side. You realize that elbows on the suction side could allow air to be trapped and affect the overall performance of the fire pump as well as cause the loss of prime during operation. Even though you know this is wrong, you rationalize that the fire pump will provide fire protection, even though this is not in compliance with NFPA. You do not alert the property owner or even the owner’s authorized representative, and you approve the change by signing off on it.
QUESTION TWO ( LIGHTING LEAVES IN BACK YARD IS THE EXPERIENCE I HAD THAT NEARLY DIDN’T HAVE A CONTROL OFF0
Think about an experience in your life when you had an uncontrolled or nearly uncontrolled fire. An example of this could be a kitchen fire, a campfire that got out of hand, or even hamburgers on a grill that flamed up uncontrollably. Reflecting on the incident, identify and describe the elements of the fire triangle and fire tetrahedron.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
QUESTION 3
In the image provided, describe the initiating device. Discuss any criteria about these devices being accessible, unobstructed, and visible. Does this initiating device require a manual or automatic means of activating the fire alarm and initiating signal? Why, or why not? Have you ever come across an initiating device that did not meet these criteria? Explain.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
QUESTION 4 ( DO IT FOR NEWYORK )
Many municipalities have private water systems and fire hydrants that connect to the public water system. Private water systems normally provide water to industrial and commercial structures. Consider the interactions of private/public contractors or engineers with utilities in your city, county, or state. Do you think a private water system would adequately provide water to a fire protection system where you live? Would a public water system adequately provide water to a fire protection system where you live? Is one better than the other? What are your thoughts?
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
SOLUTION
In the scenario presented in Unit I Lesson, a building owner is attempting to obtain a Partial Certificate of Occupancy (PCO) for their building by using a foreign-made fire pump. The scenario suggests that the building owner is willing to compromise safety standards in order to obtain the PCO more quickly and at a lower cost.
This is not a recommended practice, as it could put the safety of the building’s occupants and the surrounding community at risk in the event of a fire. Building codes and safety regulations exist for a reason, and it is important to adhere to them to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
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