Third-Party Smoke Control System Special Inspections and Testing

TERPconsulting is licensed to perform 3rd Party Special Inspections and Testing of Smoke Control Systems in California

What is a 3rd party inspection of a smoke control system?

Among other specialized 3rd party services, the engineers and consultants at TERPconsulting perform special inspections and testing of smoke control systems as required by California building officials in the design of newly constructed high-rise buildings, malls, underground buildings, stages, platforms, technical production areas, and atriums. During the normal course of construction and prior to occupancy, special inspection and testing of smoke control systems are performed in accordance with California Building Code (CBC) and 2021 International Building Code (IBC) Sections 909 and 1705. As experts in the design, special inspection, and testing of fire alarms, smoke detectors, pressurization systems, and sprinkler systems, TERPconsulting’s professional engineers excel at conducting comprehensive smoke control inspections and testing across California. Specifically in LA City, special building inspections are required to be performed by a deputy smoke control inspector who has been certified by the Superintendent of Building for the city of Los Angeles.

Does L.A. City require that smoke control systems be tested by a Deputy Smoke Control Inspector?

In LA City, TERPconsulting’s fire protection engineers and consultants have been officially licensed as Deputy Smoke Control Inspectors by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety – Mechanical Division. Certification as a Deputy Smoke Control Inspector allows TERPconsulting’s experts to conduct smoke control inspections and perform testing in the city of Los Angeles. Outside of the jurisdiction of LA City, fire protection engineers and consultants like those on TERPconsulting’s Southern California team can perform smoke control testing and special inspections as specified by Section 1705.19 of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) which requires that a special inspector must test smoke control systems.

After the smoke control system’s design is completed and functional, one of TERPconsulting’s smoke control specialists have the authority to witness required duct leakage testing. Once the smoke control system is operational, TERPconsulting’s fire protection experts will also witness the system testing to confirm the equipment and system operation meets the requirements of the code and the approved Rational Analysis report. The third-party inspection reports that TERPconsulting’s smoke control specialists generate from these special inspections are provided to the client, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and building officials. These special inspection and testing reports are necessary to receive a Certificate of Occupancy.

Who can perform Smoke Control System Rational Analysis and/or Testing?

TERPconsulting’s licensed fire professional engineers (FPEs) are experts in performing smoke control rational analysis as mandated by International Building Code (IBC) Section 909. Rational Analysis is required to be completed by a licensed engineer during the design of newly constructed high-rise buildings, malls, underground buildings, stages, platforms, technical production areas, and atriums in accordance with California Building Code (CBC) and IBC Section 909. TERPconsulting’s licensed professional engineers will perform a Smoke Control Rational Analysis to establish the basis of the design and installation of a smoke control system. TERPconsulting’s Rational Analysis service examines the type of smoke control system to be used, methods of operation, and testing. TERPconsulting’s smoke control specialists are professional engineers and consultants who will ensure the Rational Analysis considers stack effect, temperature effect of fire, wind effect, HVAC systems’ effect, climate effect, and how the systems are to be commissioned to maintain a tenable environment. The engineers and smoke control experts at TERPconsulting can seek the approval of and work closely with an Authority Having Jurisdiction or AHJ to perform the inspection and testing of a smoke control system.