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Architect-Engineer Information Center

Construction Specifications

All construction specifications must be developed in the 50 Division Construction Specification Institution (CSI) MasterFormat System using the MasterSpec® System. MasterSpec® is a product of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is produced and published for the AIA by ARCOM. In addition, the documents below are specification sections that have been tailored to meet specific requirements of the Institution and should be used when required by a particular design.

A title page for the specification book with the required signature block for the Associate Director of OPDC and containing a statement of conformance with the Smithsonian Directive (SD) 410.

Fire Protection and Life Safety

The following guide specifications have been approved by OSHEM for use on Smithsonian projects and their use, where appropriate is mandatory. In addition, the Smithsonian Institution Fire Protection & Life Safety Design Manual is provided as a resource for designers to supplement the minimum standards provide by building and fire codes and thus provide an enhanced level of fire protection and life safety for Smithsonian facilities, collections, occupants, and operations.

Smithsonian Directive 419 (SD419) SI Safety & Health Program

The Smithsonian Institution Safety, Health and Environmental Management Program is defined by Smithsonian Directive 419 (SD 419) and is implemented through the companion document, The Smithsonian Institution Safety Manual. Together they provide the overarching Policy and Guiding Principles for operation of the Program. The objective of the SI safety, health and environmental management program is to create a comprehensive, self-sustaining culture of safety performance in each museum, research institute, and office that enables employee effectiveness, productivity, and professional fulfillment in executing the SI mission.

The Smithsonian Institution Safety Manual provides for implementation and supplementation of the regulations and codes governing occupational safety and health, environmental management, and fire and life safety, as promulgated by such agencies and organizations including, but not limited to: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Fire Protection Association, the American National Standards Institute and the International Code Counsel. The Manual is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of regulations, although every attempt has been made to be comprehensive. In the event of conflicting laws or regulations, the more reasonable protective or stringent requirements will be met.

Both the Smithsonian Directive 419 (SD 419) and the companion document, The Smithsonian Institution Safety Manual are available from the Office of Safety, Health and Environmental Management and/or your assigned SI Design Manager.

Technical Security
Documents are available from your COTR/OPDC Design Manager to assist in understanding and implementing physical and technical security standards in and around Smithsonian Facilities.

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