ICBJournal Spring2016 V08 PDF

A PUBLICATION FOR HVAC PROFESSIONALS
JOURNAL
Vol. III, No. 1 | SPRING 2016
SMOKE CONTROL
IN BUILDINGS
Dr. John H. Klote, PE
ICB Conference-Vegas Baby!

Building Envelope Installer
Technician Certification Now Available
What Does This ICB & TABB-Certified
Professional Know That You Don’t?
Forward-thinking sheet metal and air conditioning technicians, supervisors and
contractors are turning to ICB & TABB (International Certification Board/Testing
Adjusting and Balancing Bureau) certification to give them that all-important
competitive edge.
ICB & TABB-certified professionals are recognized as the most competent, reliable
and qualified in the HVAC industry.
ICB & TABB certification for TAB and HVAC fire life safety
technicians and supervisors are ANSI-accredited programs.
To find out more about the advantages of ICB & TABB, contact:
800-458-6525 www.ICBCertified.org www.HVACFireLifeSafety.org
ANSI Accredited Program

PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION ID #0728
ICB/TABB Technician and Supervisor
ICB HVAC FLS1 Technician and Supervisor
Setting the performance standards for the HVAC Industry

IE021315/1001
JOURNAL
INTERNATIONAL
CERTIFICATION BOARD
8403 Arlington Blvd, Suite 100 FROM THE EDITOR 4
5
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 800-458-6525
Fax: 703-683-7615
www.TabbCertified.org
INDUSTRY PULSE
Building Envelope Installer
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Technician Certification Now Available
6
PAT LANDGRAF
Labor Co-Chairman
SCOTT HAMMOND
LETTERS
Labor
CHRIS GRIFFEY
TO THE EDITOR
Can you please shed light on the 10%
Labor
8
variance in balancing specifications?
RICHARD RIVERA
Management Co-Chairman
MARK KUKLA
Management
EVENTS
ICB Conference Vegas Baby!
SARGE BARNETT
Management
ICB and TABB exhibit at Construct
Local No. 66 hosts fire officials
20
ICB STAFF
DAVID BERNETT
NEMIC Administrator TECH TALK
JOHN HAMILTON ICB Develops Webinar for Navigating
TABB ICB Certified Websites
Chief Operating Officer
Damper and Air Economizer Leakage
KEVIN CASEY Requirements in U.S. Energy Codes
26
ICB & TABB
and Standards
Director of Certification
To subscribe to ICB Journal at no charge,
visit www.TABBCertified.org.
FEATURE
Smoke Control in Buildings
40
CONTRACTORÕ S
CORNER
Sheet metal workers view certifications
as a way to continue education
MISSION:
The purpose of the International Cer tification Board (ICB) is to direct a comprehensive
set of cer tification programs to assure customers of the sheet metal industr y of the qualit y
advantages of utilizing persons or entities cer tified by the ICB.
ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016 3

Klote has authored many books, technical papers, articles and
From THE EDITOR presentations on the subject of smoke control and has spent two
Welcome to our fifth issue of the ICB Journal, the publication decades conducting fire research at the U.S. National Institute of
that strives to bring you the most useful, relevant information in Standards and Technology. We are pleased to welcome him to our
the HVAC industry. As we continue to move forward into 2016, accomplished lineup of guest columnists. We know you will find his
we’re optimistic about emerging market opportunities in areas information valuable.
such as health care construction and infection control as well as
the ongoing momentum we’re seeing for certified technicians, In addition, we’ve included a briefing on what to expect at the
supervisors and contractors in HVAC fire life safety; TAB; building upcoming 15th Annual ICB Conference in Las Vegas (you still
envelope installation; energy audits; mechanical acceptance testing; have time to register) as well as articles on HVAC Fire Life Safety
fume hood testing; and more. workshops in Seattle; variances in balancing specifications
between the eastern and western parts of the country; the new
As a quick introduction, each issue of the ICB Journal consists of building envelope installer technician certification; and much
seven categories: Commentary, Industry Pulse, Letters, Events, more.
Tech Talk, Contractor’s Corner and a Feature article that addresses
vital industry topics in an in-depth and thoughtful manner. This As always, we encourage you to submit your ideas, opinions,
issue’s Feature article is by Dr. John H. Klote, one of the nation’s questions and concerns to our Letters to the Editor column by
most respected and authoritative smoke control experts. Dr. emailing brouff@weareimagine.com.
INSPECTION. PREVENTION. PROTECTION.

ICB-Certified Fume Hood Performance Testing Technicians
Operate in Accordance with the ANSI/ASHRAE 110-1995 Standard
Firms that use International Certification Board (ICB)-Certified Fume Hood Performance Testing
Technicians provide a proven level of expertise
• First and only certification program for fume hood performance testing in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 110-1995
• Demonstrates a high level of competence and professionalism • Comprehensive documentation
• ICB testing, adjusting and balancing certification program ANSI accredited • Thorough qualitative and quantitative testing procedures
• ICB certification in testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) prerequisite
Keep your facilit y safe and your operators protected ®

Find an ICB-Certified Fume Hood Performance
Testing Technician in your area:
w w w.TABBCertified.org

BUILDING ENVELOPE INSTALLER
INDUSTRY PULSE
TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
NOW AVAILABLE
A growing field of construction science, the building envelope is being recognized
by manufacturers, design professionals, academics, researchers, code bodies and
contractors. Now, NEMIC has created a Building Envelope Installer Technician
Certification for sheet metal workers interested in pursuing the burgeoning industry.
Falling under the category of architectural sheet metal, the building envelope is
the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of
a building, including resistance to air, water, heat, light and noise transfer. A good
building envelope requires using exterior wall materials and designs that are climate-
appropriate, structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
“Building envelope and building efficiency is a huge market,”

- said David Bernett, NEMIC administrator.
Navigant research reports that saving energy, particularly in buildings, topped all advanced
energy segments with $60.1 billion in revenue, 43 percent growth over four years.
“Building efficiency is a critical and important growth sector, and NEMIC’s job is to identify
emerging markets,” Bernett said. “The Building Envelope Installer Technician certification
will open the door for SMART members to work in this up-and-coming field.” JOURNAL
The certification is available online or as a paper test. To learn more about becoming a
certified Building Envelope Installer Technician, visit www.icbcertified.org.
Letters To The
EDITOR
Q: If I have questions about design tolerance,
what sources should I refer to?
A: Consult your specifications first. If the design tolerance is not spelled out,
please refer to your “TABB/SMACNA Procedural Guide” or your "ITI TAB Student Manual."
On pages 182 and 183 of the "ITI TAB Student Manual," in the section titled Methods of Balancing:
Proportional and Sequential, it states “After air balancing has been completed, the resulting airflow
should be within design tolerances. The designer specifies the design tolerance for a particular
TAB job. If the designer has not specified the tolerance, you may follow the model specifications
prepared by the Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau (TABB).”
The manual goes on to use an example using their standard recommended specifications:
“1. Supply systems shall be balanced as follows:

LETTERS
a. The total quantity to each space is within ±10% of design value.
b. If two terminals are in the same space, each terminal is within ±10% of design value.
c. If three or more terminals are in the same space, each terminal is within ±15%
of design value.
2. Exhaust and return systems shall be balanced so the total quantity from each space is ±10%
of design value.” JOURNAL
You can download TABB Model Specifications at:

http://tabbcertified.org/site/public/content/index/model-specs
6 ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016

SMACNA TAB Procedural Guide
The TAB Procedural Guide is intended for trained
TAB technicians to assure that the appropriate
procedures are followed in an effective manner. This
new publication includes general as well as specific
guidance for both air-and water-side HVAC system
adjusting and balancing. Variable air volume, multi-
zone, dual duct and exhaust air systems are examples
of the systems specifically covered and time-saving
forms are included for precise record keeping during
the conduct of a TAB project. The guide assists TAB
technicians with preplanning and establishing teams
so that energy use is minimized whether the work is
done in new or existing buildings.
Edition: 1st
Product Type: Technical Manual
Size: 116 pages
List Price Discount Price Format:

□ $109.00 $77.00 Hard Copy
□ $127.00 $89.00 CD-Rom
□ $177.00 $124.00 Combined CD-ROM/Hard copy
□ $109.00 $77.00 Download PDF
To order go to:
http://www.smacna.org/bookstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=search_results&keyword=TAB%20Procedural%20Guide
ICB AND TABB EXHIBIT
AT CONSTRUCT
CSI ANNUAL CONVENTION
EVENTS
TABB Chief Operating Officer, John Hamilton, introduced thousands of architects, specifiers, and building
and construction professionals from all over the world to ICB and TABB certification programs at the
CONSTRUCT CSI Annual Convention, September 30-October 3, in St. Louis, MO. Attendees to the booth
recieved the latest model specification for balancing, which can also be downloaded at: www.TABBCertified.
org/site/public/content/index/model-specs
“Our participation in conferences like this one allows us to introduce our ICB and TABB certification
programs to a wider audience in a shorter time frame than normal,” said Hamilton. “We get the opportunity
to let folks know that a TABB Certified Professional subscribes to a strict code of conduct and pledges to
regularly upgrade their skills to meet cutting-edge technological advances in the HVAC industry.”
CONSTRUCT is the only dedicated national trade show and educational conference for the commercial
building teams that spec and source building products. JOURNAL
WESTERN WASHINGTON LOCAL NO. 66
HOSTS FIRE OFFICIALS DURING
FIRE LIFE SAFETY WORKSHOP
Sheet metal workers presented two events, plans to take demonstration on the road
By Tiffannie Bond
With awareness comes education, and in Western Washington, members of the Sheet Metal
Workers Local No. 66 are bringing both to area fire marshals and mechanical and building
inspectors in regards to HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) Fire Life Safety.
EVENTS
In 1980, smoke dampers – key components in a fire life “The inspectors and fire professionals are seeing
safety system – at the MGM Grand (now Bally’s) were the importance of it because there are [non-union]
inoperable, allowing “products of combustion” to be contractors out there who don’t know how to install fire
distributed through the tower by the HVAC equipment, life safety equipment properly,” Carter said. “Building
according to the Clark County Fire Department’s inspectors know there are standards to point to, and
official investigation report. If not installed correctly what Local No. 66 represents is the standard.”
or maintained and inspected on a regular basis,
Cody Arledge, legislative advocate for Local No. 66,
dampers can cost people their lives.
was a firefighter for 17 years and works with Carter to
Leaders at Local No. 66 are using stories such as the bring the education to his former colleagues. During
MGM Grand fire to educate local fire marshals and the class, many of the fire officials weren’t aware of the
mechanical inspectors on the importance of smoke smoke damper inspection schedule. Raising awareness
damper installation as well as regular maintenance and of the smoke damper inspection schedule is half the
inspection by certified, qualified technicians. Along battle, as the classes help sheet metal workers and
with facts and figures, a live demonstration shows firefights team up for public safety, Arledge said.
fire officials what happens when smoke dampers and
“Today’s firefighters are very concerned and interested
smoke control systems fail.
in how improvements and advancements in technology
SMOKE FILLS THE ROOM. will make it safer for the public and for them when
they’re fighting fires,” he added. “It’s so easy just to
“It’s a dramatic test, because you see just how much smoke
make sure those inspections are being done. It’s as easy
comes into the room in the 6 or 7 seconds that it takes for
the dampers to close,” said Tim Carter, business manager
for Local No. 66 in Seattle. “Fire sprinkler systems save
property. Fire life safety systems save lives, and [the fire
professionals] see the difference.”
The first workshop was held at Sheet Metal Workers

Local No. 66 training centers in Dupont and Everett
in September, and fire officials learned more than just
about the mechanics of fire dampers. Local codes state
inspections are mandatory every four years. The intentions
behind the codes are to save lives, but if the smoke control
system inspections and maintenance aren’t completed by
qualified technicians, the intentions mean nothing.

as doing a building inspection and seeing when the Local No. 66 doesn’t plan to stop with the workshops.
extinguishers were inspected last. It’s that simple.” In the next year to 18 months, leaders plan to reach
out to fire officials in outlying and rural communities
Education and awareness on the sheet metal side
and take the workshop on the road with the help of a
begins during apprenticeship. Students finish the
mobile smoke damper demonstration trailer.
classes necessary to take the Fire Life Safety Level II
Technician exam by the end of their schooling. It is a Technology has made it safer for the public and the first
proactive approach Local No. 66 took intentionally, responders, and with this program, fire officials and
said Eric Peterson, administrative coordinator for sheet metal workers are partnering to make sure smoke
Local No. 66’s Western Washington Sheet Metal damper inspection is on a building inspection list. That
training center. way, everyone involved will know the inspections are
done on time and correctly, Arledge said.
“[Trustees] saw the potential for hours for the
membership, work opportunities. So, they pushed “The only people who walk into a stairway of a
it,” he said. “You’ve got to get the guys trained to do building and wonder if it’s going to be smoke-free
the work first, so if contractors call for it, you have in event of a fire are firefighters and sheet metal
someone to do the work. We have the people to do the workers,” Arledge added. “That’s why this is such an
work now, more than we have before. The information important program.”
is out there, but there isn’t a whole lot of awareness.
The more awareness and education those who have
We’re getting it out there, and it’s going to increase the
the power to shift ideals have about fire life safety, the
demand, which means more work for the members.”
faster the work can be completed and buildings can be
Carter added, “It’s an emerging market, and we want safer in which to live and work. JOURNAL
our contractors to be in a position to bid and secure
Ò IT SAVES LIVES,Ó CARTER SAID. Ò THEREÕ S NO
the work. Most of them see the value in it. I haven’t
GETTING AROUND IT. CONVINCING THE FIRE
gotten any resistance. Most of them have realized this MARSHALS IS JUST THE FIRST STEP.Ó
is the bread and butter of the work they need to chase.”
EVENTS
AHR EXPO John Hamilton, TABB chief operating officer, far left; and Davor Novosel,
NEMIC chief technology officer, far right, speak to an attendee at the
2016 AHR Expo, which was held Jan 25-27 in Orlando, Florida, about the
ORLANDO 2016 benefits of adding TABB to their specifications.

SPECIAL SECTION
VEGAS BABY!
THE 15TH ANNUAL ICB CONFERENCE
April 25 – April 29, 2016 | Las Vegas, NV
®
SPECIAL SECTION
downtown’s legendary hotel, which offers a mix of classic
Vegas coupled with modern elegance. A vendor tradeshow
will be held during the day on April 26 in the lunch area.
A reception will be held at Local No. 88 on April 26. A

bus will be provided for loading at the hotel at 5:30 pm
and at the Local for loading at 9:00 pm.
Certification classes, followed by certification exams, will

be held for TABB Supervisor, HVAC Fire Life Safety Level
1 Supervisor, HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 2 Supervisor,
Sound & Vibration Supervisor, EPA 608 Technician, NAFA
Level 1 Technician, ICRA/Certified Healthcare Environment
Worker Certification, and Functional Performance Testing
of HVAC Systems.
Labor/Management classes will include NFPA 70E

Electrical Safety, Bluebeam software and usage, and a
variety of marketing classes. In addition, a soft skills sales
training class using the DISC evaluation will be offered for
The 15th Annual ICB Conference will be held April 25
an additional price. Attendees will receive 12 CEUs for the
– April 29, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s joint
entire Conference.
labor and management event will offer numerous classes,
workshops, seminars, and lunch and learn programs on a
variety of current topics specifically geared toward working
professionals, with a focus on the growing opportunities in
TECHNICIAN
the emerging healthcare industry. AND SUPERVISOR CLASSES
ICB through NEMIC will provide certification testing for NEMI TABB Supervisor
supervisors, technicians, and contractors who qualify. In Instructor: Patrick Pico, TABB-Certified Instructor and
today’s marketplace, being “certified” is very desirable. Technician
The ICB certification is a statement that ICB-certified
technicians, supervisors, and contractors are competent, The TABB Certified Supervisor directs and oversees work
reliable, and qualified professionals. performed by TABB Certified Technicians. The class will
discuss the necessary skill sets, required tools and work
Through certification, ICB and NEMIC aim to increase procedures to meet TABB standards, including the ICB
employment and business opportunities. Code of Conduct.
Las Vegas, the host city, is renowned as the entertainment This class will instruct supervisors on their responsibilities
capital of the world, featuring an abundance of gaming, in overseeing the work performed and reviewing and
fine dining, championship golf courses, live shows signing off on the TAB report.
and concerts, shopping, and outdoor recreation. The
2016 Conference will take place at the Golden Nugget, This class will be followed by a certification exam.
SPECIAL SECTION
NEMI HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 1 Supervisor who wish to become Section 608 certified to work with
Instructor: Paul Zuba, HVAC fire life safety instructor for refrigerants and are required to use gauges to take system
Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 33 pressure readings. This certification is an EPA requirement
for any technician who puts refrigerant gauges on a
The HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 1 Supervisor class focuses system. It is no longer just for service technicians, and will
on the skills and tools required to direct and oversee the soon be needed for some TAB-related work. The course
work performed by one or several ICB Certified HVAC will include the following instruction on the various parts of
Fire Life Safety Level 1 Technicians. This class will instruct Section 608:
Supervisors on their responsibilities in developing procedures
needed to perform an inspection of a building’s fire and • CORE : Core is required knowledge for anyone
smoke dampers, as well as explain the responsibilities before, touching the system
during and after a damper inspection. • TYPE I : Type I is required for anyone working with small
systems, such as refrigerators
This class will be followed by a certification exam. • TYPE II: Type II is required for anyone working with split,
roof top or built-up systems
NEMI HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 2 Supervisor • TYPE III: Type III is required for working with large, low
Instructor: Paul Zuba, HVAC fire life safety instructor for pressure, centrifugal type chillers.
Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 33
A participant can become Type I, Type II or Type III
The HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 2 Supervisor class focuses certified technician by passing the Core exam along with
on the skills and tools required to direct and oversee the the relevant Type. A technician can become “Universal
work performed by one or several ICB Certified HVAC Certified” by passing Type I, Type II, and Type III with the
Fire Life Safety Level 2 Technicians. This class outlines Core section.
the National Fire Protection Association standards on
which most local and state fire and life safety codes are This class will be followed by a certification exam.
based, and trains supervisors on how to inspect, test, and
maintain smoke control and smoke management systems NEMI Sound & Vibration Supervisor
in a building. Instructor: Karl Jackson
This class will be followed by a certification exam. Ideally, HVAC systems should run smoothly and with
minimal noise. However, some “kick in” with vibrations
EPA 608 Technician and loud noises can occur. The sound and vibration
Instructor: Darrell Garrison, TAB/Service Specialist for the professional is vital in creating a solution using techniques
International Training Institute of measurement and analysis. This class will cover the
necessary skills and responsibilities of the TABB Sound
The EPA has established a certification program for and Vibration Supervisor.
technicians who perform maintenance, service, repair,
or disposal that could be reasonably expected to release This class will be followed by a certification exam.
refrigerants into the atmosphere. This will be an eight-hour
course. It is intended for both service and TAB technicians
SPECIAL SECTION
NAFA Level 1 Technician will describe where the TABB contractor and technician
Instructor: Christopher Zaker, CAFS, NCT can obtain resources to develop a business model and
templates used in this discipline of the industry.
The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) Certified The course will be followed by a three-hour Acceptance
Technician (NCT) Program was first introduced to Test Technician (ATT) Performance Certification Exam
NAFA members in January 1999 as an effort to add on Friday.
more credibility and professionalism to the air filtration
industry. Since its introduction, nearly 300 air filter service This exam is open to certified TABB technicians ONLY.
technicians have taken the 100-question, open-book
exam based on the NAFA Installation, Operation, and ICRA/ Certified Healthcare Environment Worker
Maintenance of Air Filtration Systems manual. Certification
Instructor: TBD
This course will prepare students to take the Certified
Technician exam by enabling them to become proficient A Certified Healthcare Environment Worker recognizes
in knowledge and understand the skill necessary in the and understands the basics of infection control and the
following areas: Air filters, mathematics, air flow, filter
systems, filter systems in operation, HEPA and HEPA filter
systems, electronic air cleaners, gas phase filters, air filter
pressure, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, industrial
finishing supply and exhaust filters, and safety.
It is highly recommended that participants study the

“Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Air Filtration
Systems - 3rd Edition” prior to the class. To obtain a
copy, please contact Sheila Livingston at ICB/TABB at
slivingston@tabbcertified.org or 800-458-6525 ext. 636.
This class will be followed by a certification exam.
Functional Performance Testing

role of the construction worker in preventing the spread of
of HVAC Systems
infection. The Certified Healthcare Environment Worker is
Presenter: Patrick Pico, TABB-Certified Instructor
trained and certified in Infection Control Risk Assessment
and Technician
(ICRA) policy and protocol. Certified workers minimize the
risk of complications to patients with compromised immune
This 16-hour two-day seminar will describe various
systems, and provide healthcare facilities with individuals
functional performance tests used on mechanical equipment
specifically trained to the intricacies of working in the
and systems, to increase work scope for TABB contractors
controlled healthcare environment.
and technicians. The seminar will discuss their use and
requirements in state mandated acceptance testing and
This pilot course will be followed by a certification exam.
when required in the commissioning process. The course
Eligibility: Every SMART tradesperson

SPECIAL SECTION
LABOR/MANAGEMENT How to Sell to Anyone Workshop

Presenter: Tom Piscitelli
CLASSES What if you could figure out how to identify each customer’s
unique buying needs and how to effectively sell to them?
This one-day sales workshop dives deeply into your unique
NFPA 70E Electrical Safety
communication style, and the strengths and challenges associated
Presenter: Kennedy Sanders, TAB instructor/journeyman upgrade
instructor for JATC Local No. 88; Certified HVAC Fire Life Safety with it. You will learn how to accurately identify your customer’s
Level 1 Technician style and how to adapt so rapport and trust are more easily
established, increasing the probability of making the sale. Learn
Electrocution is a well-known hazard associated with direct contact to close with more confidence, handle objections more effectively
with electrical energy. and follow up in a manner appropriate to each customer.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it is estimated that This hands-on workshop has the potential to elevate your sales
more than 400 fatalities and nearly 10,000 serious injuries occur success to an entirely new level. Investment: $295 for the entire
each year due to electrocution and arc flash incidents. Arc flash day. Includes training materials and a 28-page personalized
incidents alone are estimated to occur five to 10 times each day – behavior style profile describing your sales assets and
resulting in a fatality every workday. To help prevent these type of
challenges, including what to do about making improvements.
electrical accidents, the recent 2015 version of the “National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety
in the Workplace” makes essential updates in the areas of safety,
maintenance, and training.
2015 NFPA 70E updates affect your most valuable assets.

Subjects covered include arc flash hazards, arc flash risk
assessment, arc flash labeling and proper PPE.
Bluebeam Software
Presenter: Bradley W. Sharp, Bluebeam software instructor for
MacDonald-Miller FS and Bluebeam providers
This all-day presentation will cover the benefits and advantages of

using Bluebeam® Software. Bluebeam develops solutions that push
the limits of collaboration, mobility and project communication.
Built for the design and construction industry, Bluebeam’s flagship
product, Bluebeam Revu®, allows you to digitally redline 2D and
3D PDFs with customizable markups, perform electronic takeoffs
70% faster, automatically compare drawing revisions, and create
punchlists that achieve 90% completion on first back check. Go
mobile on a tablet PC or iPad, and use Revu’s integrated cloud
solution, Bluebeam Studio™, for online file storage and real-time
collaboration.
SPECIAL SECTION
INSTRUCTORS AND PRESENTERS
Darrell Garrison has spent more than two decades in the HVAC industry, holding a variety of positions and advancing to
several leadership roles. He currently serves as a full-time TAB/Service Specialist for the International Training Institute. He assists
all JATC’s in Service and TABB training, as well as assisting them in setting up training labs and helping them promote both Service
and TABB.
Previously, Darrell worked for the ITI as a part-time instructor, teaching basic and advanced refrigeration, hydronics, and oil
heating classes at the Local 88 Las Vegas Training Center in Las Vegas. Over the past 20 plus years, he also worked as a service
and retrofit technician and as the lead-man of a change-out and replacement crew, as well as a service and TAB technician,
manager, supervisor and company superintendent.
Certifications:
• NATE Certified in Air to Air Heat Pumps, Gas Furnace, Gas Hydronics, Oil Hydronics, Senior Energy Analyst, and more
• ARI ICE Certified in Residential, Lt. Commercial, and Commercial Refrigeration
• IGSHPA Ground Source Heat Pump Certified
• Geo-Thermal Fusion Certified by Waterfurnace International Inc.
• TABB Technician Certified
• TABB Supervisor Certified
• HVAC Fire life Safety 1 & 2 Certified
• Fume Hood Certified
• Universal CFC EPA Certified
• Many more from manufacturers and suppliers
Karl Jackson has been a full-time instructor at Local No. 73 JATC in Chicago since 1999, teaching such subjects as math,
orthographic and isometric projections, OSHA-10 and 30, HVAC theory, AutoCAD, TAB and many more. Previously, he worked as
a balancer, director of operations, and sheet metal journeyman. He has a B.A. in Labor Education from the National Labor College.
Certifications:
• TABB Technician & Supervisor
• Commissioning Supervisor
• IAQ Technician & Supervisor
• Sound & Vibration Supervisor
• HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 1 & Level 2 Technician
• ITI Detailing Educator & Inspector
• HVAC Master Mechanic
• NATE Air Conditioning Service & Installation; Gas Furnace Service & Installation
• ARI Residential Air Conditioning; Residential Air Distribution; Residential Gas Furnaces; Light Commercial A/C & Heating
• EPA CFC Section 608 Universal
• Many more
SPECIAL SECTION
Patrick Pico is a TABB certified supervisor and technician, and industry consultant to the National Energy Management Institute
(NEMI); The Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB); and the International Training Institute for Testing, Adjusting and
Balancing and Specialty Certifications. Pico has been active working in the HVAC industry for more than 25 years beginning with
HVAC fabrication and installation, and moving into the test and balance, and commissioning fields of the HVAC industry.
He has taught courses at his home local in Northern California for the International Training Institute (ITI), and served on numerous
committees helping to guide industry training curriculum and certification programs used throughout the United States for TABB,
the California Commissioning Collaborative, the ITI, SMACNA and NEMI.
Pico has performed California Mechanical System Acceptance functional tests since they were introduced in 2005, and continues
to help improve the quality of the HVAC testing, adjusting and balancing discipline by sharing his experiences and knowledge of
the industry.
Tom Piscitelli’s 36 years’ experience in HVAC sales training, sales management, sales coaching, marketing and consulting have
given him a broad and diverse business expertise. He has developed his sales training and business capabilities by working with
major manufacturers, distributors, contractors, builders and utilities. In 1997, Tom founded TRUST® Training and Consulting and
began conducting sales seminars that have improved the confidence and sales performance of over 8,000 HVAC sales professionals.
His articles have been published in many trade magazines, he often speaks at industry conventions and he particularly enjoys
bringing cutting edge training approaches to our industry. Tom enthusiastically focuses on the sales person’s relationship with the
customer as paramount to sales success. “People buy from people, in particular people they trust. Developing professional selling
skills that help build a trusting, long-term relationship with customers is what I strive to bring to our sales graduates.”
Kennedy Sanders is never one to shy away from a challenge, so it’s no surprise that in 2011, after accepting the Sheet Metal
Superintendent position at P1 Group Inc., his ability and experience served him well. Sanders, a Las Vegas native, has become an
essential component in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry spanning more than 30 years.
Sanders attended the College of Southern Nevada from 1980 to 1981. In 1981, he entered the Sheet Metal JATC Apprenticeship
Training program (employed through Pahor Mechanical Contractors, Inc.) embarking on a journey that would set the foundation
for a successful career.
After completion of the program in 1985, his experience encompassed various high profile projects including the Nevada Test
Site, Desert Springs Hospital, Fashion Show Mall, Cashman Field/Convention facility, Southwest Gas, and Las Vegas Hilton. In the
same year, he became a Journeyman (also employed through Pahor Mechanical Contractors, Inc.), a position he maintained until
1990. Some of the notable projects led by Sanders included McCarran International Airport, Thomas & Mack Center, Mirage,
and the Golden Nugget.
Sanders has continued to make education in the sheet metal trade a high priority. Since completion of the basic instructor and
advanced instructor training in 1998, he served as the TAB instructor/journeyman upgrade instructor for JATC Local No. 88 in Las
Vegas. Throughout his professional career, he has maintained numerous certifications such as Certified HVAC Fire Life Safety Level
1 Technician, TABB Technician, Certified Welder, Energy Audit, Indoor Air Quality, and Building Analyst Professional.
Sanders continues to take on challenges in the sheet metal industry. At this time, he has begun commissioning one of the largest
construction projects in Las Vegas, the Clark County Detention Center. In addition to currently working on a University of Nevada
Las Vegas project, he consistently utilizes his HVAC Fire Life Safety Level 1 Technician certification.
SPECIAL SECTION
Bradley W. Sharp has more than 18 years’ experience in the HVAC industry, working in such areas as commissioning agent,
TAB technician, energy audit support and reporting, estimator and contract writer for commissioning and TAB services, functional
testing, and Blue Beam controls software instructor for MacDonald-Miller FS. During that time he has completed more than 1,000
projects ranging from small tenant improvements to $150 million mechanical systems.
His education/training certifications include:

• ICB Certified Commissioning Supervisor (CxA)
• ICB/ANSI Certified TAB Supervisor
• California Title 24 Certified Technician
• ICB Certified Total Building Energy Audit Technician
• ICB Certified Sound and Vibration Supervisor
• ASHRAE Commercial-Industrial Building Auditor Certificate (South Seattle Community College)
• ICB Certified ASHRA E 110 Performance Hood Testing Technician
• ICB Certified Indoor Air Quality Technician and Supervisor
• ICB/ANSI Certified Fire/Life /Safety Level 1&2 Technician and Supervisor (4 Certifications total)
• NAFA – Certified Filtration Technician
• USAF HVAC Apprentice course, 1997, graduated 1200 hr course with a 4.0 GPA, named Distinguished Graduate of the Year
• Certified Union Journeyman, Service & TAB for SMW Local #9, 1998
Chris Zaker has spent the last 22 years in the air filtration industry, 20 of which have been with Glasfloss Industries, a nationally
known HVAC air filter manufacturer. During 1998 – 1999, Chris was the sales manager of Ventilation Technologies, Inc. in
Michigan, a company that manufactured dust and oil mist collection equipment, sold fans, ductwork, UV lighting systems, and
other IAQ and ventilation products, including replacement air filters. He is currently the National Sales Manager for Glasfloss
Industries.
NAFA / Professional Achievements:

• Became a NAFA Certified Air Filter Specialist in 1995
• NAFA’s Clean Air Award Committee Chairman from 1998 until 2002
• Member of Technical Committee which published the NAFA IOM 2nd edition in 2006
• Became one of NAFA’s first Associate Members to hold earn CAFS & NCT Sept 2006
• President of NAFA’s Associate Council from April 2006 to April 2007
• NAFA’s official presenter of The Technology of Clean Air at annual AHR Expo from 2007-2014
• Moderator or NAFA Technical Seminar April 2007 (the infamous “Tool Belt Speech”)
• Became a “NAFA Distinguished Lecturer” in September, 2007
• Member of Technical Committee which published NAFA Guide to Air Filtration, 4th Ed, Jan, 2008.
• Received NAFA Distinguished Service Award in Sept 2008 (inaugural year)
• Moderated NAFA’s Track 1 Program during the annual Technical Seminar (2007-2014)
• Elected to the NAFA Board of Directors in 2009
• Elected to NAFA Board Executive Committee in August 2011
• Became the President of NAFA in September, 2014
• Became Immediate Past President September 2015
SPECIAL SECTION
Paul A. Zuba has 17 years’ trade experience, as well as 12 years as a highly credentialed instructor at local 33 in Cleveland,
Ohio. He is currently employed as a superintendent for a company specializing in duct cleaning, fire damper inspections and
kitchen equipment installations. Areas of specialization include: HVAC fire life safety, construction management, phenolic board,
lean construction, computer aided manufacturing (CAM), sheet metal mathematics, layout and fabrication skills, lagging and
insulation, industrial, hoisting and rigging, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30.
In addition to his apprenticeship, Paul earned his Bachelor of Arts in Labor Education from the National Labor College, Silver
Springs, Maryland in 2011. Paul also obtained his contractor’s license in 2015.
HOW DO I REGISTER? MAKING RESERVATIONS

Registration is easy. In addition, a dedicated website is available
for you to book your hotel rooms online.
Just go to https://icbcertified.org/site/conference/index.php
to register and follow the link. Or call 1-800-331-5731.
Be sure to reference BLOCK CODE- ICB.
Registration is $350/individual and $150/additional We look forward

participant. For registration questions, contact Charlett
Hardaway at 703-299-5646 ext. 670.
to seeing you there!
10
NEVAD A
ICB DEVELOPS WEBINARS
FOR NAVIGATING ICB CERTIFIED WEBSITES
John Hamilton, COO for ICB and TABB, has developed two in-depth webinars explaining how to navigate the ICB Certified
websites: icbcertified.org; nemionline.org; and TABBcertified.org.
The 40-minute webinars outline every aspect of using the ICB Certified websites from instructions for registering on the
icbcertified.org site for first-time users, to accessing ICB Certified marketing materials online at www.nemionline.org.
TECH TALK
Included in the seminars are instructions for accessing and self-reporting Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to the
ICB database.
Hamilton created the webinars to help ICB Certified supervisors and technicians understand that they have control
over managing their certifications and access to advertising and marketing materials to promote their certifications
to potential customers.
“On the ICBcertified.org website you can update your contact information, check and self-report your CEUs for certification
renewals, electronically sign the ICB Code of Conduct and ICB Certification Manual, and submit all documents for
certification renewal,” said Hamilton.
When explaining how to use the nemionline.org website, Hamilton shows that beyond ordering marketing materials, there
are resources for JATCs including how to build a training simulator for proportional testing and balancing.
Hamilton then introduces the TABBcertified.org website that is meant for the end users who hire ICB Certified contractors.
The TABBcertified.org website includes a database of certified contractors in each of the ICB certification disciplines and
the ability to join the ICB/TABB Journal mailing list. JOURNAL
The webinars can be accessed by visiting

http://bit.ly/1XAu29X | http://bit.ly/1TolVPp
®

Helping Health Care Facilities Meet and Maintain Compliance

The demands of health care facility compliance testing and documentation call for skilled, certified personnel. The
International Certification Board (ICB) provides credentialing to contractors, supervisors and technicians whose work in
healthcare facilities is critical to meeting and maintaining compliance with current Codes and Standards.
• TABB Technician and Supervisor Certifications
The FGI’s “Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities” call for regular
verification of rooms with pressure and air change requirements. ASHRAE Standard 170, as adopted by the
“Guidelines,” lists requirements for air changes, pressure relationships, and ventilation rates for various rooms
TECH TALK
within the healthcare facility.
Highly trained and competent ICB certified personnel are the professionals to call for Environment of Care
documentation. ICB Certified TABB (Testing, Adjusting and Balancing) technicians and supervisors measure
airflows, ventilation rates, room pressurizations, and environmental conditions, and provide certified reports for
use by the healthcare facility, TJC, and other AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction).
• HVAC Fire Life Safety Certifications
The Joint Commission mandates that fire dampers shall be maintained according to NFPA 80 and smoke
dampers shall be maintained according to NFPA 105. Both standards require that dampers be inspected and
tested within one year after installation and then every six years after that. Testing requires visual and hands-on
verification that the dampers are operating properly, which includes Code compliant access to the damper itself.
ICB certified contractors, technicians and supervisors inspect, test, maintain, and repair fire and smoke dampers
according to NFPA Standards, and provide documentation showing compliance. ICB personnel also test and
certify smoke barriers and containment systems.
• ICRA and ICB
Understanding ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) concerns of hospitals is an important part of ICB
certifications. Through continual training and credential maintenance, ICB certified professionals are well
positioned to comply with any ICRA requirements of your facility.
ICB certified personnel have the credentials to show they are the best qualified to meet the Joint Commission and other
AHJ requirements.
• Quality Assurance of ICB and TABB Certified Programs:

• Independent body that is objective and impartial
• Meets International Standards Organization (ISO) 17024
• Recognized National Standard
• Submits to onsite audits by ANSI validating compliance with ISO 17024
• Ensure due process to address complaints
• Regular training to ensure consistent decisions
For more information, and to find a list of ICB and TABB certified professionals near you, please visit:
www.tabbcertified.org
10
NEVAD A
BY THE AIR CONTROL CODE
REPRINTED FROM "AMCA INTERNATIONAL IN ACTION AND REVIEW COMMITTEE,
MOTION" SUMMER 2015, "DAMPER AND AIR AMCA INTERNATIONAL
ECONOMIZER LEAK AGE REQUIREMENTS"
Damper and Air Economizer

Leakage Requirements
in U.S. Energy Codes and Standards
An examination of the damper leakage economizers. The codes and standards covered are as
requirements in model energy codes/ follows:
• ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.11 (Note that the damper leakage
standards and in California Title 24 requirements in ASHRAE 189.12 are identical to the ASHRAE
90.1 provisions.)
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)3, published
C
by the International Code Council
ontrolling the movement of air in and out of a build- • California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards4 (California
ing is critical to ensuring proper indoor air quality, Title 24)
minimizing energy consumption, avoiding condensa-
tion and maximizing the overall comfort of the building’s ASHRAE 90.1
occupants. Dampers located on the exterior of a building’s Because ASHRAE 90.1 has different damper leakage provisions
envelope are a key component in that effort. When in the closed for motorized and nonmotorized dampers, it is helpful to highlight
position, it is a damper’s job to minimize the amount of air that how the standard separates them. Section 6.4.3.1 deals with
is entering or leaving the building. Any air moving across a motorized dampers for stair and elevator shaft vents. Section
closed damper is thus undesirable and considered leakage. 6.4.3.2 covers all outdoor air intake and exhaust systems. For
This article reviews the maximum allowable leakage require- outdoor air intake and exhaust systems, four exceptions are
ments in energy codes and standards for non-residential building allowed:
envelopes. The types of dampers covered include outdoor air 1. Backdraft gravity (nonmotorized) dampers (i.e., shutters) are
intake and exhaust openings dampers, including those used for acceptable for exhaust and relief in buildings less than three
ASHRAE Table 6.4.3.4.3: maximum damper leakage, L/s per m2 (cfm per ft 2) at 250 Pa (1 in. wc)
Ventilation Air Intake Exhaust/Relief
Climate
Zone
Nonmotorizeda Motorized Nonmotorizeda Motorized
1, 2 — — — —
Any height 100 (20) 20 (4) 100 (20) 20 (4)
3 — — — —
Any height 100 (20) 50 (10) 100 (20) 50 (10)
4, 5b, 5c — — — —
Fewer than three stories NA 50 (10) 100 (20) 50 (10)
Three or more stories NA 50 (10) NA 50 (10)
5a, 6, 7, 8 — — — —
Fewer than three stories NA 20 (4) 100 (20) 20 (4)
Three or more stories NA 20 (4) NA 20 (4)
a. Dampers smaller than 600 mm (24 in.) in either dimension may have leakage of 200 L/s per m2 (40 cfm/ft)
N/A = Not allowed
Table 1. ASHRAE 90.1 Table 6.4.3.4.3 with damper leakage requirements, adapted for AMCA inmotion (I-P units in
parenthases). Provided with permission from ASHRAE. Copyright notice: ©ASHRAE. ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013, Energy
Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. October, 2014.
1 Summer 2015 A M C A I N T E R NAT I O NA L inmotion W W W. A M C A . O R G

Figure 1. U.S. climate zone map. Provided with permission from ASHRAE. Copyright notice: ©ASHRAE. Transactions. Vol. 109, Pt. 1, January, 2003.
stories in height. They are also acceptable for ventilation air water column [1 in. wc] in I-P units). Motorized dampers in
intakes and exhaust and relief dampers in buildings of any climate zones 1, 2, 5a, 6, 7 and 8 are allowed to leak a maximum
height located in climate zones 1, 2 and 3 (see Figure 1). of 20 L/s per m2 (4 cfm/ft2), while motorized dampers in climate
ASHRAE 90.1 notes that backdraft dampers for ventilation zones 3, 4, 5b and 5c are allowed to leak up to 50 L/s per m2 (10
air intakes must be protected from direct exposure to wind. cfm/ft2). When allowed by Table 6.4.3.4.3, the allowable leakage
2. Backdraft gravity (nonmotorized) dampers are acceptable in of nonmotorized dampers depends on the damper size. If both
systems with an outdoor air intake or exhaust design capacity the width and the height are 600 mm (24 in.) or greater, the
of 140 liters per second (L/s) in SI units (300 cubic feet per damper is allowed to leak up to L/s per m2 (20 cfm/ft2). If either
minute [cfm] in I-P units) or less. dimension is less than 600 mm (24 in.), the allowable leakage
3. Dampers are not required in ventilation or exhaust systems goes up to 200 L/s per m2 (40 cfm/ft2).
serving unconditioned spaces. Although Section 6.5.1.1 of ASHRAE 90.1 covers air econo-
4. Dampers are not required in exhaust systems serving type 1 mizers, it requires that dampers in air economizers meet the
kitchen exhaust hoods. same leakage requirements found in ASHRAE 90.1’s Table
Section 6.4.3.4.3 of ASHRAE 90.1, titled “Damper Leakage,” 6.4.3.4.3. It is important to note that these leakage requirements
states, “Where outdoor air supply and exhaust/relief dampers apply to all dampers that are part of an air economizer — includ-
are required … they shall have a maximum leakage rate as ing return, exhaust/relief and outdoor air dampers.
indicated in Table 6.4.3.4.3 when tested in accordance with
AMCA Standard 500” (Table 1). The referenced standard, ANSI/ IECC
AMCA Standard 500-D5, establishes the industry-accepted The damper leakage requirements in the 2015 IECC are similar
method for conducting damper leakage testing. to the 2013 version of ASHRAE 90.1. There are, however, a
An examination of Table 6.4.3.4.3 shows that climate zone few distinctions. Section C403.2.4.3 of the IECC, titled “Shutoff
and building height both play a role in determining the allowable Dampers,” requires that all outdoor air intake and exhaust open-
leakage rate. The maximum leakage rate is stated in terms of ings and stairway and shaft vents be provided with a motorized
L/s per m2 (cfm/ft2) of damper face area at a differential pressure damper that leaks no more than 20 L/s per m2 (4 cfm/ft2) of
across the closed damper of 250 pascals (Pa) in SI units (1 inch damper face area at a differential pressure of 250 Pa (1 in. wc).
W W W. A M C A . O R G A M C A I N T E R NAT I O NA L inmotion Summer 2015 2

Section C403.3.3.5 applies those same leakage requirements to that provides a labeling service for damper leakage performance
return, exhaust/relief and outdoor air dampers in economizers. is AMCA. AMCA’s Certified Ratings Program provides assur- assur
The primary difference between the IECC and the ASHRAE ance that a manufacturer’s published leakage performance is
90.1 leakage requirements is that the IECC requirements are reliable and accurate and that the testing was conducted in
independent of climate zone and building height. All building accordance with AMCA 500-D. In addition, it ensures that the
envelope and economizer dampers are held to the same 20 L/s manufacture’s damper design is tested on a regular schedule.
per m2 (4 cfm/ft2) of damper face area requirement. AMCA’s certified rating program for damper leakage perfor- perfor
Another important difference is that the IECC requires that mance issues a leakage class to a damper design based on its
dampers be labeled by an approved agency. test results. In order for a damper to comply with the IECC
Like ASHRAE 90.1, IECC allows nonmotorized dampers to requirement of 20 L/s at 250 Pa (4 cfm/ft2 at 1 in. wc), a damper
be used — but with exceptions. Nonmotorized dampers cannot must meet the AMCA Class 1 leakage rating. The AMCA Class
be used in the following: 1A leakage rating, which only allows a damper to leak 1.41 L/s
• Buildings less than three stories in height above grade plane at 250 Pa (3 cfm/ft2 at 1 in. wc), would also comply.
(this differs from ASHRAE 90.1, which does not allow these California Title 24 does not go so far as to require that a damper
dampers in the intake of any building height in climate zones be labeled by an approved agency, but it does require that the
other than 1, 2 or 3) leakage performance be certified. Dampers with an AMCA-
• Buildings of any height located in climate zones 1, 2 or 3 certified leakage classification of 1A, 1 or 2 all meet the Title 24
• Applications that have design exhaust capacity less than 141 requirement of 50 L/s per m2 at 250 Pa (10 cfm/ft2 at 1 in. wc).
L/s (300 cfm) As we have seen, ASHRAE 90.1’s leakage requirement is
The leakage requirements for nonmotorized dampers in the dependent on the building height and climate zone. In some
IECC are identical to ASHRAE 90.1. If both the width and the instances, AMCA Class 1 dampers are required. In other cases,
height of the damper are 600 mm (24 in.) or greater, the damper Class 2 dampers are allowed. However, there is typically little
is allowed to leak up to 100 L/s per m2 (20 cfm/ft2). If either or no price difference between Class 1 and 2 dampers, so speci-
dimension is less than 600 mm (24 in.), the allowable leakage fying Class 1 dampers is the safest option to ensure current and
goes up to 200 L/s per m2 (40 cfm/ft2). future compliance.
CALIFORNIA TITLE 24 CONCLUSION

Economizer damper leakage requirements in California Title Energy codes and standards recognize the importance of mini-
24 are straightforward. Section 140.4 (e) 4 requires all economizer mizing leakage in and out of buildings through dampers that are
and return dampers to have maximum leakage of no more than on the exterior of a building envelope. To ensure compliance
50 L/s per m2 at 250 Pa (10 cfm/ft2 at 1 in. wc). In addition to with all three energy codes and standards discussed in this article,
the leakage performance requirement, Title 24 requires econo- be sure to specify and purchase dampers and air economizers
mizer dampers to have been tested, proving they are able to open that are tested to Class 1 performance and have their performance
and close against the rated airflow and pressure of the system certified under the AMCA Certified Ratings Program. This
after 60,000 opening and closing cycles. provides assurance that engineers and building owners will get
the required leakage performance from their dampers.
VERIFICATION OF DAMPER LEAKAGE PERFORMANCE
Energy codes/standards mandate specific leakage performance REFERENCES
for dampers that are on the exterior of a building’s envelope and 1. ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1. Energy Standard for Buildings
dampers that are part of an economizer. But how can it be con- Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Atlanta: ASHRAE, 2013.
firmed that a damper is in compliance with these 2. ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1. Standard for the
requirements? Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise
The language in the three codes and standards we have dis- Residential Buildings. Atlanta: ASHRAE, 2014.
cussed have subtle but important differences with regard to the 3. IECC. 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. Washington,
level of required verification that a damper’s leakage performance D.C.: ICC, 2015.
is in compliance. 4. Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresi-
ASHRAE 90.1 states that the leakage criteria must be met dential Buildings. Title 24. Pt. 6 and Pt. 1. Sacramento: California
“when tested in accordance with AMCA Standard 500.” Energy Commission, 2013.
The IECC states that dampers must be “labeled by an approved 5. ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D. Laboratory Methods of Testing
agency when tested in accordance with AMCA 500-D.” Dampers for Rating. Arlington Hts., IL: AMCA International, 2012.
California Title 24 states that the dampers must be “certified 6. AMCA Publication 511. Certified Ratings Program – Product Rating
to have a maximum leakage rate … when tested in accordance Manual for Air Control Devices. Arlington Hts., IL: AMCA
with AMCA Standard 500.” International, 2013.
The verification required by the IECC is the most stringent.
It requires that dampers be labeled by an approved agency, RESOURCES
confirming that a damper design complies with the required To learn more about the AMCA Certified Rating Program, visit
leakage performance. The most widely recognized organization www.amca.org/certified.
3 Summer 2015 A M C A I N T E R NAT I O NA L inmotion W W W. A M C A . O R G

ANSI ACCREDITATION:
THE PERFORMANCE ASSURANCE
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a private nonprofit organization that
has overseen the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services,
processes, systems, and personnel in the U.S. for nearly a century. It accredits processes
developed by organizations, such as the ICB (International Certification Board), which
provides certified HVAC professionals to the industry.
An increasing number of engineers, architects, general contractors, and government

entities are mandating proof of qualifications. ICB & TABB-certified technicians and
supervisors are the first and only ANSI-accredited TAB and HVAC fire life safety
professionals in the HVAC industry.
• Expands the bidders’ pool for qualified HVAC contractors

• Positions ICB & TABB as leaders in meeting specification requirements
• ICB & TABB are required by ANSI to undergo an annual impartial and independent audit
• Sustains continual improvement through yearly exam reviews
• Requires valid, reliable and defensible exams
• Established knowledge bases promote consistency across the certification process

www.TABBCertified.org
E021315/1003
FEATURE
FEATURE
SMOKE CONTROL
IN BUILDINGS
Dr. John H. Klote, PE
Smoke is the major killer in building fires, and

smoke control provides significant protection
from the threat of smoke. It is well known that
smoke can migrate far from the fire floor and
threaten life at remote locations. The 1970s and
1980s were the early years of smoke control
development, but there have been many advances
since then.
In 1973, the report, America Burning1, was an overall failure rate of 11 percent5. If the
presented to President Nixon. The gist of MGM Grand Hotel had successfully operating
the report was that the United States had pressurized stairwells, all or most of the deaths
the worst fire statistics of any country in on the upper floors would have been prevented6.
the industrialized world. To improve fire
Today many codes and standards are based
safety, there were decades of effort by the fire
on a balanced approach to fire protection
services, professional societies, universities
consisting of detection, suppression and
and government agencies. The development of
occupant protection. This balanced approach
smoke control was part of this effort.
results in a reliability of fire protection far
Today, smoke control has developed into an above that of any single system. Even in
established technology based on fundamental fully sprinklered buildings, there is a need to
principles of engineering, and it has been protect occupants from the threat of smoke,
verified by experiments including full scale and smoke control provides that protection.
fire tests. However, advancements are still Also, smoke control can provide significant
being made based on practical experience and protection to firefighters.
research. The ASHRAE Handbook of Smoke
To provide confidence that the balanced
Control Engineering2 was developed to be the
approach-fire protection will work as intended,
most complete treatment of smoke control
building commissioning and periodic testing
and related topics in the world. For simplicity,
are essential. Commissioning of a building
this handbook is referred in this article as the
includes many people with various areas
Smoke Control Handbook.
of expertise, and these people should have
The focus of this article is on smoke control certification, to the extent possible. For smoke
systems. Most smoke control systems are control, the important areas of certification are
either pressurization systems or systems (1) commissioning, (2) HVAC fire life safety,
for large-volume spaces. Section 909 of the and (3) testing, adjusting and balancing.
International Building Code (IBC)3 deals with
smoke control, but many jurisdictions have
some local requirements. Because there are so PRESSURIZATION
many jurisdictions, it is not feasible to discuss
these other requirements. NFPA 92 Standard SYSTEMS
for Smoke Control Systems4 has been adopted Pressurization systems rely on fans to produce
by the IBC. pressure differences across barriers to control
smoke flow. Figure 1 shows pressurization
controlling smoke flow at a barrier with the
THE NEED FOR intent of providing a tenable environment in
SMOKE CONTROL the protected space, which is the high pressure
side of the barrier. A tenable environment
In 1980, a fire at the MGM Grand Hotel is one in which heat and smoke are limited
resulted in 85 deaths. The fire was almost
FEATURE
completely limited to the casino on the ground

floor, but about 75 percent of the deaths were
on upper floors because of smoke inhalation.
It has often been stated that if the MGM fire
had been successfully sprinklered, all or most
of the fatalities would have been prevented.
However, sprinklers in most buildings have
Fig. 1

so that conditions are not life threatening. Pressurization smoke control systems need
The airflow through gaps around doors and to operate between minimum and maximum
construction cracks prevents smoke flow to pressure differences. Table 1 lists the minimum
the protected space. When a person opens a and maximum values required by the IBC, but
FEATURE
door to leave a smoky space, some smoke will local codes may be different. The IBC names
go with the person into the protected space, for the systems are not the same as those
but such small amounts of smoke flow are above, and the terminology of NFPA 92 and
not normally a concern. If a person can walk the Smoke Control Handbook will be used in
through smoke to get to a door, a small amount this article. Acceptable pressurization happens
of that smoke diluted in the protected space
when a pressurization smoke control system
will not result in an untenable environment
is successfully balanced to operate within the
in that protected space. This is true even
range required by the code.
when many people are exiting the fire floor
with the door held open for several minutes. In the early days of smoke control, some people
considered pressurizing corridors to keep smoke
Normally pressurization is thought of as
out of the corridors, but this idea was dropped
controlling smoke from a fire away from a barrier
quickly when it was realized that it has a serious
as in Figure 1. However, full scale fire tests have
demonstrated that pressurization can be designed failure mode. Often doors to an office (or
to control smoke from a fully developed fire next apartment) that is on fire are inappropriately
to the barrier. In a room with a fully developed propped open, and smoke from the fire is
fire, everything that can burn is burning. The expected to go through the open doorway to
common pressurization systems are (1) stairwell the corridor, where it will be forced into all the
pressurization, (2) elevator pressurization and spaces served by the corridor. Thus a pressurized
(3) zoned smoke control. These system names corridor can unintentionally become a smoke
are consistent with the NFPA 92 and the Smoke distribution system, and pressurized corridors
Control Handbook. should not be used.
TABLE 1.
MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PRESSURE DIFFERENCES FOR SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Min. Pressure Max. Pressure

NFPA 92 IBC Difference Difference
System Name IBC System Name Section inch w. g. inch w. g.
Stairwell Stairway
909.20.5 0.10 0.35
Pressurization Pressurization
Elevator Elevator Hoistway

909.21.1 0.10 0.25
Pressurization Pressurization
Zoned Smoke Pressurization Calculated by

909.6.1 0.05
Control Method Equation

PRESSURIZED STAIRWELLS
The purpose of a pressurized stairwell is to provide a “smoke free” environment inside the stairwells
for occupant evacuation and the fire service. The environment may not be completely free of
smoke because small amounts of smoke may enter the stairwell along with the people from the
fire floor, but such amounts of smoke will not make the environment untenable. A single injection
system consists of supplying air to the stairwell at one point, and these are often used for stairwells
less than 100 feet tall. For taller stairwells, multiple injection systems, which consist of air being
supplied to the stairwell at a number of locations, are used. A separate fan can supply air at each
injection point, but it is more common to have one fan with air supplied through a duct with
injections points at every third floor or so.
The factors involved with performance stairwell pressurization systems are building height,
stairwell height, floor plans, flow areas of building components, type of stairwell pressurization
system, outdoor temperature, and wind.
In some buildings, the simple stairwell pressurization systems described above may not be capable
of being balanced to achieve acceptable pressurization. The factors responsible for this are (1)
excessive stairwell leakage, (2) stack effect and (3) building complexity. If excessive leakage is the
cause of the problem, construction cracks and gaps need to be sealed or filled to reduce leakage.
Ideally stack effect and building complexity should be evaluated during design so that they are not
the cause of balancing problems as discussed later.
EXCESSIVE STAIRWELL LEAKAGE name because it is similar to the upward flow

Sometimes stairwells have excessive leakage in a smoke stack, and in the early days of smoke
because of gaps in construction or large control, it was also called chimney action and
gaps around doors. The door gaps, including chimney effect.
the undercut, can be measured, but some
Strictly speaking, a pressurized stairwell
construction contractors may need to be
cannot have stack effect because the flows in
convinced about excessive gaps in construction.
a pressurized stairwell are dominated by the
A simple way to demonstrate excessive leakage
pressurization air, but the forces that cause
is to set off several commercial smoke bombs
stack effect can have a major impact on stairwell
in one or more metal containers inside the
pressurization. During the winter, these forces
stairwell. While the “chemical smoke” from the
produce higher pressure differences near the top
smoke bombs is considered nontoxic, it has an
of the stairwell and lower pressure differences
unpleasant smell and people breathing it can
near the bottom. In the summer, there is
be nauseated. People should leave the stairwell
quickly after setting off the smoke bombs.
Upon activation of the stair pressurization,
the location of leaks is evident by the flow of
chemical smoke.
FEATURE
STACK EFFECT
Stack effect is the upward airflow in a building
shaft in winter due to the buoyancy of warm
air in the shaft (Figure 2). This shaft can be a
stairwell, an elevator shaft, a mechanical shaft
or another type of shaft. Stack effect got its

Fig. 2
downward flow in shafts, which is called reverse OPEN AND CLOSED DOORS
stack effect, and reverse stack effect can have For the pressurized stairwells discussed so far,
the opposite impact on pressure differences as the stair pressure drops significantly when a
stack effect. stairwell door is opened. Some professionals
feel that pressurized stairwell systems should
FEATURE
BUILDING COMPLEXITY compensate for opening doors with the intent
For smoke control purposes, a complex of maintaining acceptable pressurization. Such
building has many floor plans that vary from compensated stairwell pressurization systems
floor to floor. Figure 3 is a sketch of a complex are not required by the IBC, and the IBC only
hotel building, but the concept applies to many requires that pressurized stairwells maintain
other kinds of buildings. Stairwells in complex pressurization with all doors closed.
buildings can be difficult to balance, but the
reason for this is not simple. In the absence of ASHRAE funded a study of pressurized
stack effect and wind, the pressure difference stairwells7, and an incidental finding of the
from the stairwell to the outdoors is the same study casts doubt on the need for compensated
from one floor to another in a building. For a stairwell pressurization. It seems that some
simple building, the pressure difference across smoke leakage into a pressurized stairwell
the stairwell doors is nearly the same for all becomes so diluted by pressurization air that
floors because the floor plans are similar. For tenable conditions in the stairwell may be
a complex building, the pressure difference maintained. In light of this finding, ASHRAE is
across the stairwell doors varies considerably sponsoring a research project to study the need
from floor to floor because the floor plans vary for compensated stair systems.
from floor to floor. This variation in pressure
Some local codes require compensated stairwell
difference across the stairwell doors means that
pressurization systems. In the early days of
pressurized stairwells (and elevator) in complex
smoke control, compensated systems involved
buildings sometimes can be impossible to
modulating dampers or barometric dampers.
balance to achieve acceptable pressurization.
Today, most compensated systems use VAV
fans controlled by pressure sensors across stair
doors to vary the amount of pressurization
air to the stairwell. In addition to being
costly and complex to design and maintain,
such compensated systems have a number of
shortcomings. After a stair door is opened, it
can take several minutes for design pressure to
be achieved. When a door is closed, there can be
a pressure spike that is way above the maximum
pressure difference. While the spike may last
for less than a minute, a person encountering
it would think that the stair door is locked and
waste valuable egress time finding another
stairwell. Worst still is that under some wind
conditions in some buildings, design analysis of
compensated systems has shown that extremely
high pressures can be produced for prolonged
periods of time such that occupants might think
that the stair door was locked.

Fig. 3
DESIGN ANALYSIS If a CONAM analysis shows that the desired
For a simple building, hand calculations or rules system may not be capable of being balanced,
of thumb can be used to size pressurization the alternatives are to select a different type
fans. For complex buildings, the designer needs of system or modify the building. Some
to decide if a network computer program such kinds of stairwell pressurization systems are
as CONTAM needs to be used. The primary (1) the simple system described above, (2)
purpose of CONTAM is to determine if the stairwell compartmentation and (3) stairwell
kind of stairwell pressurization system (or pressurization with fire floor exhaust. These
other pressurization smoke control system) in a systems are discussed in Chapter 10 of the
particular building is capable of being balanced Smoke Control Handbook. Often, these
to perform as intended. A secondary purpose is alternatives are evaluated during a meeting of
to help size fans for the system. the design team plus the building owner.
PRESSURIZED ELEVATORS
The purpose of pressurized elevators is to prevent smoke from flowing from the fire floor through
an elevator shaft and threatening life on floors away from the fire floor. Stack effect and building
complexity are also important for pressurized elevators. Pressurized elevators are often used in
buildings that also have pressurized stairwells. The basic system for elevator pressurization is
to supply pressurization air to the elevator shaft at one point. The amount of pressurization air
needed for elevators can be as much as 10 times that needed for stairwells. Pressurization air needs
FEATURE
to flow to the outdoors after leaving the elevators (and stairwells), but so much air has difficulty
flowing through the exterior building envelope. Consequently, it may be impossible to balance the
basic system even in simple buildings.
The alternate systems are, (1) the exterior vent system, (2) the floor exhaust system and (3) the
ground floor lobby system. These systems were developed to deal with the large amount of supply
air the elevators need, but a CONTAM analysis may still be needed to provide confidence the
system can be successfully balanced.
ZONED SMOKE CONTROL
FEATURE
In the early days of smoke control, zoned smoke control was referred to as the “pressure sandwich”
approach, which consisted of exhausting the fire floor and pressurizing the floors above and below
(Figure 4a). This approach has been generalized, where the smoke zone can be more than one
floor (Figure 4b). To minimize the temperatures in the exhaust fans, the smoke zone needs to be
relatively large, such that smoke exhausted from the fire space is diluted by air exhausted from the
other spaces. In a building with large wings, the smoke zone can be one wing of one floor.
The intent of zoned smoke control is to prevent or minimize smoke flow from the smoke zone
to other parts of the building. It is beyond the capability of smoke control to provide a tenable
environment in the smoke zone, and it is intended that occupants evacuate the smoke zone as soon
as possible.
When the floors of a building are divided into many rooms with normally closed doors, these
floors do not lend themselves to the traditional concept of zoned smoke control. This can also be
said of wings of a building that are divided into many rooms with normally closed doors. For such
applications, a form of zoned smoke control can be used that relies on a combination of corridor
exhaust and passive smoke control using smoke barriers. Figure 5 shows a floor of a condominium
building that can be considered a form of a smoke zone. The floor has corridor exhaust, and the
other spaces rely on passive smoke protection of the corridor walls and ceiling floor assembly of
the other spaces. This passive protection tends to minimize smoke flow through the ceiling floor
assembly during a building fire.
Fig. 4 A&B
Fig. 5
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ICB & TABB offer the following certifications:

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Download model specs and locate

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®


IE021315
SMOKE CONTROL FOR LARGE-VOLUME SPACES
A large-volume space is a space that is at least two stories high, such as an atrium, a sports arena
FEATURE
or an airplane hangar. In this article, the term atrium is used in a generic sense to mean any large-
volume space. Figure 6 shows an atrium with a fire in the atrium, and Figure 7 is with a fire in a
communicating space. A communicating space is one that has an open pathway to an atrium such
that smoke from a fire either in the atrium or the communicating space can move from one to the
other without restriction.
For both figures 6 and 7, a smoke plume rises above the fire to form a smoke layer under the
ceiling, and smoke is exhausted from the smoke layer to provide a “smoke free” lower layer through
which occupants can evacuate and the fire service can fight the fire.
The nature of smoke flow impacts (1) smoke layer temperature, (2) sprinkler effectiveness, (3)
smoke detection, (4) minimum smoke layer thickness, (5) smoke exhaust effectiveness and (7)
makeup air velocity.
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
SMOKE LAYER TEMPERATURE SPRINKLER EFFECTIVENESS

As the smoke plume rises, it pulls air into For atrium ceiling heights above about 35 feet
itself, making the plume temperature drop (11 meters), the temperature of the smoke can
with height above the fire. The smoke layer drop so much that sprinklers may not activate,
temperature depends on the size of the fire and or activation may be so delayed that the spray
the height of the atrium. The size of a fire is may evaporate before it reaches the fire. This is
called the heat release rate (HRR) of the fire. not to say that in some situations, sprinklers in
During design, an analysis is done to determine an atrium may be of benefit, but such a benefit
the design fire size for the specific application. cannot be relied upon. Thus, most atrium smoke
The smoke layer temperature can be as low as control systems are designed to work without
90°F (32°C) when the lower layer temperature the benefit of sprinklers.
is 70°F (21°C). At such a temperature, thermal
radiation from the smoke layer is not a threat to
life in the lower layer.

SMOKE DETECTION is about 10 percent of the floor-to-ceiling height.
A hot layer of air can form under the ceiling of This means that the smoke layer depth will be at
an atrium due to solar radiation on the atrium least 20 percent of the floor-to-ceiling height.
roof. The temperature of such a layer can be
120°F or more. When the average temperature SMOKE EXHAUST EFFECTIVENESS
of the plume is less than that of the hot-air layer, The number and location of smoke exhaust
a stratified smoke layer can form under the inlets need to be designed to prevent plugholing,
hot-air layer, preventing smoke from reaching which can cause system failure. Plugholing is a
ceiling-mounted smoke detectors. When smoke phenomenon in which air from the lower layer
stratification can occur, one of the following is pulled through the smoke layer into the smoke
detection schemes of projected beam smoke exhaust. Plugholing reduces smoke exhaust
detectors should be used: (1) upward-angled from the smoke layer and makes the smoke layer
beam to detect the smoke layer, (2) horizontal drop. This can result in system failure. There are
beams to detect the smoke layer at various levels equations to analyze plugholing, and the number
and (3) horizontal beams to detect the smoke and location of smoke exhausts in an atrium can
plume. These schemes are listed in NFPA 92 be designed to prevent plugholing.
and discussed in detail in the Smoke Control
Handbook. MAKEUP AIR VELOCITY
Excessive makeup air velocity can disrupt the
MINIMUM SMOKE LAYER plume, resulting in high smoke production and
THICKNESS a thicker smoke layer than intended. Makeup
The minimum smoke layer depth is 20 percent air is outdoor air either supplied by openings
of the floor-to-ceiling height of the atrium to the outdoors or by mechanical fans at about
except when an engineering analysis indicates 85 percent to 95 percent of smoke exhaust.
otherwise. When a smoke plume reaches the Makeup air velocity must not exceed 200
ceiling, the smoke flows away in a ceiling jet fpm (1.02 m/s), where the makeup air could
that is about 10 percent of the floor-to-ceiling come into contact with the plume unless a
height. When the ceiling jet reaches a wall, the higher makeup air velocity is supported by an
smoke turns under itself in another jet that also engineering analysis.
AIRFLOW TO CONTROL SMOKE

The airflow method can be used to control smoke flow as shown in Figure 8. Caution needs to
be used with airflow because it can supply oxygen to the fire. Because large amounts of airflow
are needed to control smoke, the airflow method is only occasionally used in buildings. However,
airflow is commonly used for smoke control in transport tunnels that carry traffic including
automobiles, trucks, buses and trains.
Fig. 8
FEATURE

TENABILITY SYSTEMS
The conventional systems discussed above are
intended to keep occupants away from smoke, but
FEATURE
a tenability system is one where the occupants are
exposed to some diluted smoke that is not life-
threatening. In the last two decades, advances in
computers and methods of analysis have made
tenability smoke control systems practical.
Tenability systems are recognized by NFPA 92,
but usually a waiver of local code requirements
is needed to use a tenability system.
Common examples of tenability systems are (1)

atrium smoke venting and (2) atrium smoke
filling. In an atrium venting system, smoke flows
out of roof vents, and makeup air enters from
wall openings. Atrium smoke filling can only
be used in especially tall and large atria where
so much air is pulled into the smoke plume that
it becomes so diluted that it becomes a tenable
environment. These tenability systems can be
more cost effective and more sustainable than
the code-mandated systems they replace.
The engineering analysis of a tenability system

needs to show that the system is at least as
effective as the code-mandated system. This
analysis takes into account the threats of heat
exposure, thermal radiation exposure, toxic
gas exposure and reduced visibility. Reduced
visibility is important because occupants who
cannot see (1) become disorientated, resulting in
prolonged smoke exposure, and (2) are subject
to dangerous falls in atria.
Analysis of tenability systems often include

computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
simulations. CFD consists of dividing a
space of interest such as an atrium into a
large number of cells and using a computer
program to solve the governing equations for
each cell. The governing equations are a set of
non-linear partial differential equations that
require special numerical solver routines. These
equations cannot be solved with a spreadsheet.
CFD simulations typically require hours, and
sometimes days, of computer time. However, the
results are often worth the effort.

COMMISSIONING AND PERIODIC TESTING
Both commissioning and periodic testing are Smoke Control Station (FSCS). The FSCS is also
especially important to assure that the life safety called the Firefighter's Smoke Control Panel
systems (sprinklers, detection, smoke control, and the Firefighter's Control Panel. Functional
compartmentation, etc.) in a building work as testing of the FSCS includes verification of the
intended in the event of a building fire. With self-test feature which can be used to help with
most building systems, the occupants notice a the sequence of operations testing. Sequence
failure and complain to get things fixed. Life safety of operations testing is done to verify that the
systems are the exception in that they are not used automatic functions of the smoke control system
until there is a fire. If they do not work then, it is operate as designed. Testing and balancing must
too late to repair them. Commissioning provides be completed before the formal acceptance testing.
confidence that smoke control systems will work Because smoke control systems interact with each
properly upon building acceptance. Over the other, balancing and acceptance testing need to
years, components get old, and buildings are be done with all of the systems operating as they
modified. Periodic testing needs to be performed would during a building fire.
over the life of a building to determine that the
NFPA 92 and the Smoke Control Handbook
installed smoke control systems are capable of
recommend against testing smoke control systems
operating as designed.
with chemical smoke (including smoke bombs),
Commissioning is the means to demonstrate to an because chemical smoke is very different from
owner that the smoke control system installed in real smoke with regard to visibility and buoyancy.
a project meets the smoke control system design When chemical smoke testing is required by an
for the project. Commissioning is the process for authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), an apparatus
verifying and documenting that the performance described in the Smoke Control Handbook can
of facilities, systems and assemblies meets defined be used, but this does not mean that such tests
objectives and criteria. Commissioning refers to provide any useful information.
the process of examining, comparing, testing and
Special inspections are a means that an AHJ uses to
documenting the installation and performance of
determine that a smoke control system meets the
a smoke control system to ensure that it functions
code requirements. The IBC has requirements for a
according to an approved design.
special inspection and describes the qualifications
The commissioning process begins at the start of required for a special inspector. For a simple
the project and continues throughout the project. project, an AHJ may waive the requirement for
ASHRAE Guideline 5 provides methods for special inspection. Unlike commissioning, a
verifying and documenting that the performance special inspector is expected to focus on code
of smoke control systems conforms with respect to compliance, but a special inspector can be part of a
the intent of the design8. ICB provides programs commissioning team.
for certification in building commissioning.
Periodic testing includes (1) manual testing
Smoke control commissioning includes a involving ongoing inspection and maintenance
predesign phase, a design phase, a construction and (2) automatic testing to determine that
FEATURE
phase, an occupancy/operations phase and a integral equipment is functional and operational.

post-acceptance phase. A commissioning plan Automatic testing is often performed at a higher
should be developed during the predesign phase, frequency than manual testing. Continued
but this plan may be modified later. During inspection and testing helps so that adjustments
construction, components are inspected to verify and repairs can be made to account for
that they meet design requirements. Functional unforeseen changes to the building or failure of
testing includes smoke barriers, fans, dampers, components. Automatic self-test testing is done
operable doors and windows, and the Firefighter’s by the self-test feature of the FSCS. JOURNAL

FEATURE
SUMMATION
Smoke is the major killer in building fires, and smoke control provides significant protection
from the threat of smoke. The most common smoke control systems are stairwell pressurization,
elevator pressurization, zoned smoke control and atrium smoke control.
In the early days of smoke control, many local codes required systems that were so complex that
they were difficult or impossible to balance. Today, there is a trend toward simple smoke control
systems, which results in economical systems that usually can be balanced to operate as intended.
However, some simple systems in specific buildings may be difficult or impossible to balance, and
the design team should identify this and correct it before construction.
In order to provide confidence that a smoke control system will operate as intended, commissioning
and periodic testing are essential. The people who make up the commissioning team should have
certification to the extent possible.
REFERENCES
1. America Burning. National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, 1973.
2. Klote, J. H. et al. Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering. ASHRAE, Atlanta, GA, 2012.
3. International Building Code, International Code Council, Country Club Hills, IL, 2016.
4. Standard for Smoke Control Systems – NFPA 92, National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA, 2012.
5. Hall, J.R. U.S. Experience with Sprinklers. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA, 2013.
6. Klote, J. H. MGM Grand Fire and Fire Safety Then, Now. ASHRAE Journal, November, 2015.
7. Klote, J. H. Tenability and Open Doors in Pressurized Stairwells, ASHRAE Transactions, Vol.
110. Part 1, 2004.
8. ASHRAE. The Commissioning Process for Smoke Control Systems – ASHRAE Guideline 1.5.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, GA, 2012.

How Do You Know
That Your Building’s HVAC Fire & Smoke Dampers
Were Really Inspected?
Any company can claim to perform proper inspections of HVAC fire life safety
CONTRACTORÕ S CORNER
systems. But firms that use ICB certified HVAC fire life safety technicians and
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• ICB certified HVAC fire life safety technicians and supervisors are qualified
to inspect, test, maintain and repair fire and smoke dampers according to
fire life safety codes
• Ensures compliance with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105
• Provides comprehensive documentation showing every inspection point and
procedure
• ICB certification for HVAC fire life safety technicians and supervisors is an
ANSI-accredited program
To find out more about the advantages of ICB, contact:

800-458-6525 www.HVACFireLifeSafety.org
®


IE021315/2005
Bowers was working for an architectural sheet metal
company when work began to slow. Because he also
holds TAB certifications, he was able to jump ship and
go right to work for a local TAB firm.
“I want to lead by example,” he said. “I don’t spend any

time on the bench, laid off.”
SHEET METAL John Roberts, currently the balancing division manager

for APS Air Balancing, a division of Art Push and Sons,
Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska, started out as a sheet metal
WORKERS VIEW apprentice in Los Angeles, where he learned first-hand
how certifications can not only save your job, but they
CERTIFICATIONS can jump start your career.
More than a decade ago, Roberts had been laid off
AS WAY TO from two jobs when he transferred to Local No. 3 as

a third-year apprentice. Ready to not ever be laid off
CONTINUE
again, he set off to take every opportunity to earn
every certification available to him.
EDUCATION
“I wanted to make myself as valuable to an employer as
possible,” he said. “If I was to get laid off or if the company
was to fail, I would be left to go back and take whatever
By Tiffannie Bond
job was available. So, whatever class I could take, I took.
In college, students take classes to achieve their And it worked. I haven’t been laid off in nine years.”
degrees, and after graduation often participate
in workshops and earn additional degrees and Today, as a manager,
certifications to keep the knowledge of their chosen Roberts sees it from the
career fresh and current. It’s should be no different employer’s perspective.
for sheet metal workers.
“If a contractor is looking at two equally qualified
In a post-recession world when contractors can people, they aren’t going to lay off the person with a
scale back when the work is low and hire when the pile of certifications compared to the person without
demand is high, continuing education could be the them,” he said. “I don’t like our technicians to be
key to employment. pigeon-holed. The more certifications they have, the
Jason Bowers is four years into his five-year more valuable they are. That way, no matter what job
apprenticeship at Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 206 comes up, I can take any guy on my crew and send
in San Diego and is eager to learn all facets of the him on any job. So, I encourage people to get as many
trade, which includes taking as many classes, and certifications as possible.”
earning as many certifications, as he can. He treats
earning certifications like specialty classes needed to
Even as a manager,
complete a major in college. he hasn’t grown
complacent.
He currently holds certifications as a testing, adjusting and
balancing (TAB) technician, AutoCAD and California “If something happens, you could be standing out on
Title 24 Mechanical Acceptance Testing. He also is the street with 50 other air balancers,” Roberts added.
brushing up on his welding skills. “I always wanted to stand out.”
“It’s free, and it’s obviously a strength,” Bowers said. When work is slow, a company’s bottom line is at stake,
“It’s a good thing to have. It’s just as good, if not which causes them to scale back the work force. Most
better, than college.” contractors will say they don’t enjoy laying off their workers.
They want the work. They want the employees. And when With energy efficiency being required by code, Pat
contractors have a reason to keep them, all the better. Pico, veteran TAB instructor for Local No. 104 in
Northern California, said the way things have always
“It gives our union sheet metal workers better
been done is changing course. There is a driving force
opportunities to keep their jobs,” said Tim Martin,
behind certifications absent a decade ago.
president of T.H. Martin, Inc. in Cleveland. “We
always tell our employees the more certifications you “If you don’t take these classes and earn these
have, the more likely you are to keep and maintain certifications, you’re a sheet metal worker with one tool
your position. From welding to safety to fire life safety, in your tool box,” he said. “Why not have more tools?”
more and more jobs are requiring more and more
Twenty-five years ago, when Pico started in the trade,
certifications. It’s advantageous of them to continue
there was one TAB certification. Today, there are eight
their educations.”
specialized certifications available for technicians and
six for supervisors. The most in demand certifications
are HVAC Fire Life Safety Technician Levels I and II,
Total Building Energy Audit Technician and Mechanical
Acceptance Testing Technician. Although it’s required
for California only, the latter is being examined for
adoption in other states across the country, Pico said.
“You definitely want to get it now,” he said of the

Mechanical Acceptance Testing Technician certification.
“Once the opportunity shows up, you’re ready to go.”
Some certifications are less time-consuming than

others. A journeyman sheet metal worker can
complete an HVAC Fire Life Safety class in eight to 16
hours. However, the Mechanical Acceptance Testing
Technician certification, for instance, can take 20 to 160
hours of training, depending on experience, leading

up to the certification exam. Once a certification is
earned, continuing education units are required to
verify a technician or supervisor remains current in
the industry.
“A lot of these certifications can help generate more

hours, more jobs,” Pico said. “Having certifications has
allowed me opportunities to get more work. They’re
door openers. You get in and you can find issues that
Patrick Pico taught Functional Performance
allow for job opportunities and increased hours. You
Testing of HVAC Systems at the 2015 ICB can turn a 10-hour job into a 100-hour job.”
Conference in Austin, Texas. The class is a
prerequisite to be certified as a mechanical Curriculum and certification is currently being
acceptance testing technician to meet developed for Infectious Control Risk Assessment
California's building energy efficiency (ICRA), born out of high demand from clients seeking
standards. Pico suggests keeping up with a skilled and certified work force to work in health
certifications available to advance a worker’s care facilities.
skillset in order to remain marketable and “As the industry evolves, people are keeping up in order
valuable to employers. to stay current out there and in peak performance,”
Pico said. “Who is going to go after the opportunities
and do this work?” JOURNAL

ARE YOU IN COMPLIANCE?
“A firefighting response is pretty much always the result of failure
in some part of the building system…Ultimately, burning buildings
and their occupants live or die according to code and it is very
difficult for us (the fire service) to outperform that reality.”
– Alan Brunacini, Phoenix Fire Department,
2006 Career Fire Chief of the Year
As a Building Owner or Manager, You Should Know That…

• The International Fire Code is in use or adopted in 43 states. (The
other seven states may have codes that are even more stringent.)
• The Code states that fire dampers shall be maintained according to

NFPA 80 and smoke dampers shall be maintained according to NFPA 105
• Both standards mandate that dampers be inspected and tested one

year after installation and every four years after that (every six
years for hospitals). Testing requires hands-on verification that the
dampers are operating properly, which includes code-compliant
access to the damper itself
• As a building owner, you are responsible for having these

inspections performed according to Code
• The successful operations of fire life safety building systems

may mean the difference between a nuisance fire and an
uncontrollable catastrophe
• Failure to comply with Code could void your insurance policy and
leave you vulnerable to criminal violations, lawsuits and financial loss
Our ICB/TABB-certified HVAC Fire Life Safety technicians and supervisors have the credentials to show
they are the best to inspect, test, maintain and repair fire and smoke dampers according to Code.
Visit www.TABBCertified.org to find

an ICB-certified professional in your area
A properly-functioning building system may save lives and protect your valuable investment.
It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. And it’s the law.


E021315/2004
ICB & TABB HVAC Certification
Programs Offer All of These Benefits:
Check Us Out!
First and only ANSI-accredited TAB and HVAC fire life safety level 1 and
level 2 technician and supervisor programs in the HVAC industry
Conforms to ISO/IEC 17024 International Certification Standard
Certification exams developed to be valid, reliable and defensible
Complies with the most extensive and comprehensive certification

testing standards
Stringent code of conduct
Endorsed by SMACNA
Decertification process
Quality assurance program and customer complaint process
Supported by more than 150 training centers nationwide
Supported by more than 200 testing locations nationwide
Expands the bidders’ pool while maintaining highest quality standards
Download model specs at www.TABBCertified.org 800-458-6525

E021315/1005

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A PUBLICATION FOR HVAC PROFESSIONALS

ICB Conference-Vegas Baby!

ANSI Accredited Program

Setting the performance standards for the HVAC Industry

ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016 3

INSPECTION. PREVENTION. PROTECTION.

Keep your facilit y safe and your operators protected ®

Setting the performance standards for the HVAC Industry

“Building envelope and building efficiency is a huge market,”

“1. Supply systems shall be balanced as follows:

a. The total quantity to each space is within ±10% of design value.

You can download TABB Model Specifications at:

6 ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016

List Price Discount Price Format:

The first workshop was held at Sheet Metal Workers

ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016 9

ORLANDO 2016 benefits of adding TABB to their specifications.

A reception will be held at Local No. 88 on April 26. A

Certification classes, followed by certification exams, will

Labor/Management classes will include NFPA 70E

It is highly recommended that participants study the

This class will be followed by a certification exam.

Functional Performance Testing

Eligibility: Every SMART tradesperson

LABOR/MANAGEMENT How to Sell to Anyone Workshop

2015 NFPA 70E updates affect your most valuable assets.

This all-day presentation will cover the benefits and advantages of

His education/training certifications include:

NAFA / Professional Achievements:

HOW DO I REGISTER? MAKING RESERVATIONS

Registration is $350/individual and $150/additional We look forward

The webinars can be accessed by visiting

ANSI Accredited Program

Helping Health Care Facilities Meet and Maintain Compliance

• Quality Assurance of ICB and TABB Certified Programs:

Damper and Air Economizer

1 Summer 2015 A M C A I N T E R NAT I O NA L inmotion W W W. A M C A . O R G

W W W. A M C A . O R G A M C A I N T E R NAT I O NA L inmotion Summer 2015 2

CALIFORNIA TITLE 24 CONCLUSION

3 Summer 2015 A M C A I N T E R NAT I O NA L inmotion W W W. A M C A . O R G

An increasing number of engineers, architects, general contractors, and government

• Expands the bidders’ pool for qualified HVAC contractors

ANSI Accredited Program

Smoke is the major killer in building fires, and

completely limited to the casino on the ground

28 ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016

Min. Pressure Max. Pressure

Elevator Elevator Hoistway

Zoned Smoke Pressurization Calculated by

ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016 29

EXCESSIVE STAIRWELL LEAKAGE name because it is similar to the upward flow

30 ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016

ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016 31

ICB & TABB offer the following certifications:

Download model specs and locate

800-458-6525 wwwHVACFireLifeSafety.org www.TABBCertified.org

ANSI Accredited Program

Setting the performance standards for the HVAC Industry

SMOKE LAYER TEMPERATURE SPRINKLER EFFECTIVENESS

ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016 35

AIRFLOW TO CONTROL SMOKE

36 ICB Journal / Vol. III, No. 1 / SPRING 2016

Common examples of tenability systems are (1)