Safety Requirements for HVAC Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the requirement for defective materials in heat-producing equipment?

They should be logged but not necessarily replaced.

They can be repaired without affecting approvals.

They must be replaced without invalidating approvals. (correct)

They can be ignored if they are not visible.

What is necessary for the installation of central heating boilers?

They must be installed outdoors only.

They can be installed in any office space.

They must be installed in a room at least 16 times their volume. (correct)

They require no specific space requirements if listed.

What does the approval listing and labeling provide evidence of?

The efficiency ratings of heat-producing equipment.

The origin of the fuel used in the equipment.

The minimum temperature controls on heating appliances.

Compliance with internationally and nationally recognized standards. (correct)

What is a requirement for LPG appliances concerning pilot ignition failure?

They must have automatic shutoff devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of automatic control devices in heating equipment?

To shut off the system if pilot ignition fails. Signup and view all the answers

When must unlisted appliances follow standard clearances?

Unless protected by approved methods. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about equipment with casters?

They must be securely fastened with restraints. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with cooling, ventilating, or refrigerating systems located on roofs?

They must be properly identified. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of joint requires a clean, fluxed application with approved solder?

Soldered Joints Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required exposure for a wiped joint surface?

3/4 inch Signup and view all the answers

How must piping be protected when subjected to corrosion or mechanical damage?

It must be shielded or covered Signup and view all the answers

Which type of piping must be located above the design flood elevation?

Water distribution and drainage piping systems Signup and view all the answers

What is required for joints made with the flared type?

Use of approved fittings and tools Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited in connection with the drainage system?

Depositing harmful substances Signup and view all the answers

Where cannot piping be installed in relation to buildings?

Under or within 2 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for connections to plumbing fixtures and appliances?

They must connect to the drainage system Signup and view all the answers

What components are included in a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly (PVB)?

A loaded air inlet valve, internally loaded check valve, two test cocks, and two isolation valves Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario can a Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly (PVB) be installed indoors?

If provisions for air intake are provided Signup and view all the answers

What must contractors provide when applying for permits that include CPVC plumbing materials?

Signed written certification stating awareness of health and safety hazards Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP)?

It includes two independently acting check valves Signup and view all the answers

What is required for backflow prevention assemblies installed in potable water systems?

They must be approved by a relevant authority Signup and view all the answers

What health and safety measure must contractors comply with when working with CPVC plumbing installations?

Department of Industrial Relations’ worker safety training guidelines Signup and view all the answers

How often must backflow prevention assemblies be tested?

Annually or more frequently by a certified tester Signup and view all the answers

Which type of copper tubing must have a weight of not less than Type L?

Type K Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required clearance from the ground for backflow preventers to ensure accessibility?

1 foot Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable lead content in solder and flux used for potable water piping systems?

0.20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical level requirement for ballcocks in water closet tanks?

1 inch above the overflow pipe Signup and view all the answers

What color code is associated with Type M copper tubing?

Red Signup and view all the answers

What must be provided for double-wall heat exchangers to separate potable water from the transfer medium?

A vented space between the two walls Signup and view all the answers

What action must the building official take before granting final permit approval for CPVC plumbing?

Verify material installation per Code Signup and view all the answers

What are the penalties for contractors non-compliant with ventilation, glove, or flushing requirements?

Penalties per the Health and Safety Code Signup and view all the answers

Where must PEX tubing be installed in relation to the water heater outlet?

Not less than eighteen (18) inches away Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition are trap cleanouts not required for wet vented branches serving a single trap?

When the fixture tailpiece is at least two inches in diameter and easily accessible Signup and view all the answers

Which areas in telecommunications buildings are exempt from having automatic sprinkler systems?

Areas dedicated exclusively to telecommunications equipment Signup and view all the answers

In which location must an automatic sprinkler system be installed according to the regulations?

In every story of a building exceeding 1,500 square feet without required exterior openings Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum dimension required for openings in stories without exterior wall openings?

30 inches (762 mm) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of fire barriers in telecommunications spaces?

To ensure safety from fire hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which type of occupancy is specifically exempt from automatic sprinkler system requirements?

Group R-3 Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire safety system must be present in telecommunications areas to qualify for sprinkler exemption?

Automatic fire alarm systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the code requirement for openings in a basement of a building that exceeds 1,500 square feet?

Openings must lead directly to ground level Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Requirements

This chapter focuses on general safety requirements for heat-producing and energy-utilizing equipment like HVAC, refrigeration, and similar systems.
Equipment must comply with the code and be installed safely.
Defective parts must be replaced to maintain approvals.
Equipment must adhere to internationally and nationally recognized standards.
Evidence of compliance comes from listing and labeling by approved agencies.
Oil burning equipment must meet NFPA 31 standards.
Installing listed equipment requires following its specific conditions.
Central heating boilers need a room 16 times their cubic volume, unless listed for smaller spaces.
Unlisted equipment must maintain standard clearances from combustible materials, which can be reduced using protective measures.
Fixed equipment should be anchored securely.
Equipment with casters must have restraint devices to prevent movement.
Cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems on rooftops require identification.
LPG tanks, containers, and equipment must meet NFPA 58 standards.
Rooftop equipment needs enclosures, support, corrosion resistance, drainage, guards, and electrical power.
Heating equipment needs automatic shutoff for pilot ignition failures.
LPG appliances must have automatic shutoff devices for pilot ignition failures.
Heating appliances with inaccessible manual controls must have remote controls.
Electric duct heaters should have temperature-limiting controls.
Return air from one space unit cannot be discharged into another.
Outside air inlets should have protective screens.

Joints and Connections

Joints can be threaded, wiped, soldered, flared, flexible compression, or solvent-cemented.
Threaded joints must use standard taper pipe threads or approved types.
Wiped joints require an exposed surface of at least 3/4 inch.
Soldered joints are cleaned, fluxed, and made with approved solder.
Flared joints need approved fittings and tools.

Water Distribution and Drainage Piping

All water distribution and drainage piping systems must be located above the design flood elevation unless they are designed and installed to resist flood damage.
Plumbing systems in high-velocity wave action areas must meet specific requirements.
Alternative design must comply with the code's intent and be submitted for approval.
Iron, steel, brass, and copper piping must adhere to standard weight IPS pipe.
Liquid waste must be disposed of through an approved drainage system.
All plumbing fixtures, drains, appurtenances, and appliances must be connected to the drainage system.
Buildings must have a connection to a public or private sewer.
Harmful substances cannot be deposited into the drainage system.

Piping Protection

Trenches must be at least 45 degrees from building footings.
Piping cannot be installed under or within 2 feet of buildings or less than 1 foot below the surface.
Piping susceptible to corrosion, erosion, or mechanical damage must be protected.
Piping cannot be installed outside of a building or in an exterior wall unless protected.
Piping penetrations through fire-resistance-rated walls must be protected.

Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Backflow Prevention Assembly (PVB) includes a loaded air inlet valve, an internally loaded check valve, two test cocks, and two isolation valves.
This device should be installed indoors only if provision for s14.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker Spill Resistant Type Backflow Prevention Assembly (SVB) includes one check valve that opens to the atmosphere, positioned downstream of the valve, and located between two tightly closed shutoff valves and test cocks.
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP) consists of two independently acting check valves, a differential pressure relief valve, four test cocks, and two isolation valves.

General Requirements for Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Only backflow prevention assemblies that meet listed standards and are approved by the relevant authority can be installed in potable water systems.
Backflow prevention valves must be permanently identifiable in a manner acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Backflow assemblies must be tested annually or more frequently by a certified tester or representative, following the procedures in Table 141.
Backflow preventers must be accessible for testing, maintenance, and repair, with at least 1 foot of clearance from the ground.
If installed more than 5 feet high, a permanent platform must be provided for access.

Specific Requirements for Backflow Prevention Assemblies

Flushometer valves for water closets and urinals must have an atmospheric vacuum breaker, with the critical level at least 6 inches (152 mm) above the overflow rim.
Ballcocks in water closet and urinal tanks must have a critical level 1 inch (25.4 mm) above the overflow pipe.
Water closet flushometer tanks must have an approved backflow prevention assembly or method.
Heat exchangers for heating or recovery must protect potable water systems from contamination.
Single-wall heat exchangers for indirect water heaters must be connected to low-pressure boilers limited to 30 psi.
The medium for single-wall heat exchangers must be potable water or a Class A1 non-toxic fluid.
Double-wall heat exchangers must separate potable water from the transfer medium with a vented space between the two walls.

CPVC Plumbing Material Requirements

Before issuing a building permit, the building official must require the contractor or appropriate plumbing subcontractors to provide written certification that their work complies with the code.
The written certification must affirm compliance with the flushing procedures and worker safety measures in IAPMO IS 202005.
Contractors applying for permits that include CPVC plumbing materials must provide a signed written certification in their permit application stating they are aware of the health and safety hazards associated with CPVC plumbing installations.
Contractors must include these hazards in their Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.
Worker safety training elements must meet the Department of Industrial Relations’ guidelines.
The building official shall not grant final permit approval for CPVC plumbing materials unless it is verified that the material has been installed per the code.
The installer has complied with the requirements in Section 1.2.1 of Appendix 1 of the code and IAPMO IS 202005.
Any contractor or subcontractor found non-compliant with the ventilation, glove, or flushing requirements shall face penalties as per the Health and Safety Code.

Copper Tube Requirements

Copper tubes for water piping shall have a weight of not less than Type L.
Type M copper tubing shall be used for water piping above ground inside, or outside of a building structure.
All hard drawn copper tubing used for water supply piping must be marked in accordance with ASTM B 88 (Seamless Copper Water Tube).

Copper Tube Color Codes

Type K: Green
Type L: Blue
Type M: Red

Copper Tube Joint Requirements

Joints in copper tubing must be made using approved copper or copper alloy fittings.
Surfaces to be joined by soldering must be cleaned to a bright finish.
Solder and flux with lead content exceeding two-tenths of one percent (0.20%) are prohibited in piping systems used for conveying potable water.
PEX tubing shall be installed not less than eighteen (18) inches (457mm) from the water heater outlet.

Wet Vented Branch Requirements

For wet vented branch serving a single trap cleanouts may not be required when the fixture tailpiece or connection is not less than two (2) inches (50 mm) in diameter and provides ready access for cleaning through the trap.

Automatic Sprinkler and Stand Pipe Systems

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in certain locations in accordance with the RA 9514, Revised Fire Code of the Philippines.
Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system if separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers.
Automatic fire sprinkler protection for fixed guide way transit systems shall be as per Section 2005.3.10.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in the locations set forth in Sections 2003.2.10.1 through 2003.2.10.1.3.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in every story or basement of all buildings where the floor area exceeds 1,500 square feet (139.4 m') and where there is not provided at least one of the following types of exterior wall openings:
- Openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway complying with Section 1009 or an outside ramp complying with Section 1010. Openings shall be located in each 50 linear feet (15,240 mm), or fraction thereof, of the exterior wall in the story on at least one side.
- Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling at least 20 square feet (1.86 m^2) in each 50 linear feet (15,240 mm), or fraction thereof, of the exterior wall in the story on at least one side.
Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches (762 mm).

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Description

This quiz covers the essential safety requirements for heat-producing and energy-utilizing equipment such as HVAC and refrigeration systems. Topics include compliance with standards, installation safety, and equipment maintenance. Test your knowledge on national and international codes that govern these systems.