FRSC214 Fire Plans Review
Department of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies: Fire Science
- I. Course Number and Title
- FRSC214 Fire Plans Review
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- FRSC103 (C or better) and FRSC104 (C or better) and FRSC105 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
-
- This course aligns with Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) associate degree curriculum requirements.
- Students having the appropriate prerequisites are eligible to test for Professional Certification (ProBoard) in accordance with NFPA 1031 to the Plans Examiner 1 and Plans Examiner 2 Levels.
- This course may be completed through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) if the student has ProBoard and/or IFSAC Professional Certification to the Plans Examiner 2 Level, in accordance with NFPA 1031.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- Through the use of construction documents and a fundamental knowledge of fire codes and standards, students develop an understanding of a building's fire protection features including the design of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and egress arrangements.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
-
-
Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- Describe at least three reasons for performing plan checks, the objectives of a proposed plans review program, the impact of such a program, and how the program will enhance current fire prevention programs;
- Develop a graphic illustration of a model plans review system, identifying at least four components involved in the system including the use of plan review checklists;
- List three methods to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of code requirements according to applicable standards;
- Determine fire department access, verify appropriate water supply, and review general building parameters;
- Determine occupancy classification, construction types; calculate occupant load and, the height and area of a building;
- Determine the appropriateness of the three components of a building's egress system, verify building compartmentation and the proper enclosure of vertical openings;
- Identify special hazards, verify interior finish and establish the proper location for pre-engineered fire extinguishing system;
- Verify the compliance of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, review sources requiring venting and combustion air, verify the proper location of fire dampers, and evaluate a stairwell pressurization system;
- Verify the proper illumination for exit access, the arrangement of exit lighting and perform a life safety evaluation of the egress arrangement of a building; and
- Verify the design of a fire alarm and detection system, and an off-site supervisory system for compliance with applicable standards.
-
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Introduction to Plans Review
- The roles plans review plays in protecting the life and safety of building occupants and emergency responders
- The various approaches utilized in plans review programs
- Relationship between the codes (Fire, building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, zoning, conservation, etc.)
- Understanding level of authority
- Plans Review of Life Safety Issues
- Means of egress
- Occupancy classification and occupant load
- Construction type
- Height and Area
- Site plans review issues related to fire protection
- Fire Department access
- Secondary containment
- Special hazards and exposures
- Temporary requirements
- Introduction to plans review of Fire Protection Systems
- The role fire protection systems play in protecting the life, safety and welfare of the general public and firefighters
- Overview of the different types of fire protection systems
- The role of codes and standards in fire protection system design
- Plans review of water supply for fire protection
- Sources of fire protection water supply
- Distribution networks
- Piping
- Hydrants
- Utility company interface with the fire department
- Plans review of water-based fire suppression systems
- Properties of water
- Water as an effective extinguishing agent
- How water extinguishes fire
- Sprinkler Systems
- Types of systems and applications
- Types of sprinklers and applications
- Piping, valves, hangers, and alarm devices
- Fire department operations in buildings with sprinkler systems
- Residential sprinkler systems
- Standpipe systems
- Types and applications
- Fire department operations in buildings with standpipes
- Foam systems
- Water mist systems
- Fire Pumps
- Types
- Components
- Operation
- Fire pump curves
- Plan review of non-water based fire suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers
- Carbon dioxide systems
- Applications
- Extinguishing properties
- System components
- Dry/Wet Chemical Extinguishing systems
- Extinguishing properties
- Applications
- UL300
- Clean agent system
- Plans review of portable fire extinguishers
- Types and applications
- Selection
- Placement
- Plans review of fire alarm systems
- Components
- Types of fire alarm systems
- Detectors
- Smoke
- Heat
- Flame
- Audible/visual devices
- Alarm monitoring
- Testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems
- Plans review of smoke management systems
- Identification of smoke management systems
- Firefighter interface with smoke management systems
-
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Students satisfy the course learning goals via class discussions, written exams, assignments, papers, and/or performance based tasks and projects. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
-
Review/Approval Date 6/2016