Roles and Responsibilities of HVAC, Fire Fighting, and Plumbing Engineers on Site
Roles and Responsibilities of HVAC, Fire Fighting, and Plumbing Engineers on Site
I. Pre-Construction Responsibilities (Pre-Construction)
1. Submittals Review
Review and approve shop drawings and material/equipment submittals.
Ensure compliance with approved design and specifications before ordering or installation.
2. Coordination
Review coordination drawings (BIM Models or Drawings).
Identify and resolve any clashes between the engineer’s work paths (ducts, pipes, cables) and architectural, structural, or electrical elements.
3. Quantity Survey
Review required material quantities and compare with the approved bill of quantities.
Ensure timely availability of materials on site.
II. Execution & Supervision Responsibilities
A. HVAC
Duct Installation: Supervise the installation of air ducts, ensure proper insulation (internal and external), tight connections to prevent air leakage, and install vibration isolators.
Equipment Installation: Supervise the installation of HVAC units (Chillers, AHUs, FCUs, DX) and ensure proper connection of chilled water or refrigerant lines.
Air Distribution: Install air outlets and inlets (Grilles & Diffusers) in the correct locations according to architectural coordination.
B. Fire Fighting
Pipe Network: Supervise installation of sprinkler and hydrant systems, ensuring proper welding and joint connections, and verify the locations of fire valves.
Passive Protection: Install fire dampers at duct penetrations through fire-rated walls and seal gaps around pipes and ducts with fire-resistant materials (Firestopping).
Pumps and Tanks: Supervise installation of fire pumps and connect them to the designated water tanks.
C. Plumbing
Water Supply Network: Install cold and hot water pipelines and select materials suitable for the required pressure.
Drainage Network: Install sanitary and waste pipes and ensure correct slopes for smooth water drainage.
Fixtures: Install sanitary fixtures (mixers, toilets, sinks) according to approved drawings.
D. QA & Safety
Quality Assurance (QA/QC): Conduct daily and stage inspections and issue inspection requests (IRs) to the consultant upon completion of each stage.
Safety: Apply occupational safety measures (use of personal protective equipment, safe work at heights, safe handling of equipment).
III. Testing & Commissioning Responsibilities
1. Pressure Tests
Supervise pressure testing of cold and hot water pipes, fire fighting, and plumbing pipes to ensure there are no leaks.
2. Performance Tests
Supervise air balancing tests for HVAC systems.
Supervise fire system operation tests (pump start-up and smoke detector testing).
3. Handover
Prepare “As-Built Drawings.”
Document all changes from the original design.
Participate in project handover to the client or operations and maintenance team.
IV. Difference Between Consultant, Owner, and Contractor Mechanical Engineers
Consultant Engineer:
Designs and reviews technical works and ensures compliance with specifications and standards.
Issues technical recommendations without performing on-site execution.
Owner’s Engineer (Client Engineer):
Represents the owner’s interests and verifies that execution meets contract requirements.
Monitors progress, quality, and schedule adherence.
Contractor Engineer (Site Engineer):
Executes works on site according to approved drawings and specifications.
Supervises workforce, monitors materials and equipment, and ensures safety.
Summary:
