MyFloridaCode.com

Question for the group (although I have a sense of the answer, but no back
up):

If an architect, engineer or licensed CBO (not associated with a
municipality) is aware of a code violation due to permitted and approved
modifications to a building, are they obligated to report it? And if so, to
whom?  Chapter and verse please.

Here is the scenario:
For various reasons not critical to this discussion, the HVAC system of a
multi-story time-share building was modified to improve the positive
pressure and fresh air supply.  This modification was permitted, we believe.

The building has interior corridors.  The conditioned , pressurized fresh
air is supplied through the duct system of the central corridor, which in my
mind, makes it a plenum.
Through the corridors, this pressurized air is intended to be forced into
the units, pressurizing them as well.

This configuration requires, I believe, modifications to the sensor and
alarm system in the corridor ducts, including the elevator.

As designed/installed, the pressurization of the corridor would also force
air, and smoke, into the exist stairwells and elevator shaft, which are
static (no pressurized, vented system for the stair wells).

Being pressurized, with 100% fresh air, there is no return air for the
corridors on each floor.  No return air, no way to monitor smoke/fire in the
system.

If there is a fire, smoke in the corridors can be forced into the units,
into the stairs, into the elevator shaft.

Assuming these observations are correct, it would appear that in the process
of improving the HVAC created a more critical life safety situation.

Input please.

Thank you.

Eric




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