(1.5 HSW) Trends in Outsourcing Responsibilities to Architects and Engineers

Program Description Berkley DP is pleased to offer a live webinar featuring Thomas M. Fleming II, Esq., Patrick F. Palladino, Esq., and Jennifer M. Netska, Esq., introduced by Andrew D. Mendelson, FAIA. Large municipalities across the country, recognizing the bureaucratic inability to keep up with construction volume, have taken to outsourcing what were once clearly government functions to design professionals. Cities that do not have the resources and cannot keep up with the influx of applications, certifications, violations, or inspections are cutting down their workloads by placing ever greater responsibility on architects and engineers to certify plans, conduct special inspections, and perform façade inspections. In New York City, the Fire Department has even established a program for licensed professionals to certify correction of certain fire alarm system defects, effectively eliminating the need for Fire Department re-inspections of these conditions. While this outsourcing trend presents opportunities for new services and revenue streams for design professionals, the duty of care to protect the health, safety, and welfare through these services cannot be overlooked. This program will review three key areas: fire alarm certification, façade inspection safety program, and special inspections. In this webinar, you'll:

• Understand the history and trends of outsourcing certifications and inspections to design professionals, including U.S. cities with façade inspection ordinances and a New York City program that enables professional engineers and registered architects to certify that their filed plans comply with applicable laws and building codes, and the provision of special inspection services
• Examine the proposed FDNY self-certification program through which licensed professionals may certify the correction of certain fire alarm defects, including the procedures to represent and verify that a defect (missing or non-working component) has been corrected and that the fire alarm system is operating as designed and in accordance with approved plans
• Review NYC’s Façade Inspection Safety Program, in which a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (who must be a licensed registered architect or professional engineer) determines whether buildings with more than 6 stories above grade are safe, SWARMP (safe with a repair and maintenance program), or unsafe. Understand the requirements of the design professional to notify and advise the owner and building department of unsafe conditions, protective measures, and type and location of public protection
• Learn the four categories of Special Inspections: 1) general building construction; 2) fire protection systems and fire-resistant construction; 3) plumbing and mechanical systems; and 4) structural materials and construction operation. Understand the design professional’s role as a Special Inspector is to verify that construction work critical to safety and property protection has been conducted according to the project approved construction documents and building code standards and includes the obligation to identify and report on deficiencies and conditions that are hazardous to life, safety, or health.
• And more…