SLNC Registration cheat sheet

Consensus standards (e.g., ASTM, IEEE, NFPA, ISO/IEC) become enforceable only when adopted by reference in a code, contract, or permit condition.

Model codes (IBC, IRC, NFPA 1, NFPA 101) are adopted by a jurisdiction; the adopted edition plus local amendments governs, not the newest published edition.

Retroactivity rule: existing installations are generally grandfathered unless the code states otherwise or a change of use, addition, or alteration triggers upgrade requirements.

Prescriptive vs. performance paths: performance-based designs require documented equivalency, engineering analysis, and authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) approval before construction.

Hierarchy of control: statute > adopted code > referenced standard > manufacturer instructions > project specification; the more stringent requirement typically prevails when documents conflict.

Referenced standards are dated editions in codes; using an undated or later edition requires explicit approval and documentation.

Definitions and scope sections control applicability - verify occupancy classification, hazard classification, and construction type before applying any technical requirement.

Licensing and scope-of-work laws define what a registered practitioner may stamp or certify; exceeding that scope is a legal and ethical violation independent of technical correctness.

Site assessment sequence: desktop review (GIS, maps, prior reports) → site reconnaissance → subsurface/geotechnical investigation → data synthesis → design basis memorandum.

Datum discipline: all elevations referenced to a single stated datum (NAVD 88, local assumed); record benchmark location and elevation on every plan sheet.

Boundary and easement verification requires a licensed survey; deed descriptions alone are insufficient for design or permit submittals.

Hazard screening checklist: flood zone (FEMA FIRM), seismic/wind design category, karst or expansive soils, slope stability, contaminated soil/vapor intrusion, wetlands and buffers.

Utility locate rule: call the one-call/811 service and obtain private locates before any excavation; public locates do not cover private lines.

Stormwater planning uses pre- vs. post-development runoff comparison; many jurisdictions require no increase in peak discharge for specified design storms.

Access and staging constraints (fire apparatus access, turning radii, temporary occupancy) are design inputs, not construction-phase afterthoughts.

Specification format follows CSI MasterFormat divisions; SectionFormat governs the three-part structure (Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, Part 3 Execution).

Design loads derive from the governing code (ASCE 7 for buildings): dead, live, snow, wind, seismic, and combinations using LRFD or ASD as the material standard requires.

Safety factor concept: allowable stress design uses F.S. = ultimate/allowable; LRFD uses resistance factors φ and load factors applied to nominal loads.

Specify by reference standard plus performance criteria; avoid proprietary sole-source language unless a documented sole-source justification is approved.

Substitution and equals clauses must state the evaluation criteria and the deadline for requests, typically before bid or before the specified milestone.

Design review checkpoints: concept (30%), preliminary (60%), detailed (90%), and issued-for-construction; each gate requires a documented comment-resolution record.

Tolerances and testing frequencies belong in the specification; if a test frequency is absent, the referenced material standard's frequency governs.

Coordination rule: structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire-protection documents must agree on penetrations, clearances, and equipment weights before issuance.

Pre-installation meeting and approved submittals precede installation; installing from unapproved or superseded drawings is a nonconformance.

Hold points: inspections or tests that must pass before work proceeds (e.g., pre-cover reinforcement, pressure test before concealment). Work past a hold point without sign-off is subject to rejection.

Concrete placement rules: verify formwork, reinforcement cover, and embed locations; cure per the specified method and duration; record placement temperature and slump/flow test results.

Excavation safety: protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding) required for trenches 5 ft (1.5 m) or deeper; competent-person daily inspection required.

Bolted and welded connections require the specified pretension or torque and qualified welders with current certification; welding procedure specification (WPS) must be available on site.

Firestopping and penetration seals must match the listed system (UL/third-party listing) for the specific wall/floor assembly and penetrating item.

Field changes require a documented change order or field instruction; verbal direction must be confirmed in writing before work is covered.

Site records: daily reports capture weather, manpower, equipment, deliveries, visitors, and any deviation from the approved documents.

Inspection types: special inspection (code-mandated, by approved agency), quality assurance observation, and owner's representative verification; each has a distinct reporting duty.

Test validity requires calibrated instruments with traceable certification, documented sampling method, and chain-of-custody for field samples.

Acceptance criteria come from the referenced standard or the specification; a test result that fails criteria triggers retest, evaluation by the designer, or rejection - not silent acceptance.

Common quantitative thresholds: concrete cylinder strength at 28 days per mix design; soil compaction typically 95% of maximum dry density per ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor) unless specified otherwise.

Pressure testing of piping: hydrostatic test at 1.5× design pressure (or as specified) held for the specified duration with no loss of pressure or visible leakage.

Nonconformance handling: document, notify, contain, disposition (rework, repair, use-as-is with engineering approval, or reject), then verify closure.

Final inspection and punch list precede certificate of occupancy; outstanding life-safety items block occupancy regardless of other completion status.

Record retention: keep calculations, submittals, test reports, and as-builts for the period stated by contract, statute of limitations, or licensing board - the longest applicable period governs.

Report structure: purpose and scope, methodology and standards used, observations with dates and locations, test data, findings, conclusions, and limitations with signature and seal.

Sealed documents imply responsible charge: the sealing professional must have supervised and reviewed the work; sealing another's unsupervised work is misconduct.

Conflict of interest: disclose any financial or personal interest in a supplier, contractor, or product; recuse from approval decisions where interest exists.

Confidentiality: client information is not disclosed without consent except where law or public safety requires; safety hazards must be reported even when confidential.

Documentation of dissent: if a reviewer's objection is overruled, record the objection in writing and retain it in the project file.

Corrections to issued documents use a revision cloud, revision number, date, and initials; superseded sheets are marked void rather than deleted from the record.

Ethical duty to public health and safety outranks contractual loyalty; report observed code violations or imminent hazards to the AHJ and the client in writing.