GM Pontiac Fire Alarm Design Review
Apr 29, 2021
19
| STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The electrical subcontractor contracted Siemens to perform the fire alarm design. The drawings were submtited and reviewed by IBI and were also reviewed and approved by the city/fire department. However it was identified after the fact that the fire alarm drawings did not include smoke detectors at the ARU units. Further, the design was not coordinated and reviewed with the GM designated fire / safety professionals OR AON, per the requirements of the RFPS. Because the FA design was not communicated to the designated GM fire and safety professionals, this led to delays in finalizing design and install. The design had to be revised to include smoke detectors, watch tours, and a design solution had to be completed for substation W. Additionally CCC had to bring the revised drawings to the authority having jurisdiction and go over the design and intent with the fire invetigator to get approval. Further, when AON did finally review the (revised) drawings they had found 21 items needing clarification/correction. This was received when FA install was nearly complete. All of this delay could have been prevented had the team taken the proper steps in the design per the RFPS. CCC is used to working with GM experienced electrical subcontractors that handle all of this themselves. Triangle Electric is a relatively new sub to GM work, and CCC did not provide the required oversight to make sure they followed their scope. COURSE OF ACTION CCC worked closely with Siemens, GM fire/safety professionals, and Waterford fire department to ensure the changes were to the satisfaction of the team. However this took place much later than it should have, and took much longer than it should have. LESSON LEARNED 1) The electrical subcontractor and the designated FA engineer must understand their scope and design requirements for FA. 2) The Engineering Manager and the EOR need to better oversee the development and review of the fire alarm system design to ensure it addresses all of the requirements of the RFPS AND the IFC electrical and mechanical drawings. 3) For future jobs it may be more beneficial to have the AE perform a schematic or initial programming with all of the stakeholders, and then turn over to the FA integrator and electrical subcontractor. |
