What role does a fire plans examiner play in the construction process?

A fire plans examiner plays a critical role in ensuring that construction projects adhere to fire safety codes and regulations. Their primary responsibility is to review building plans and specifications for compliance with fire codes before any construction takes place. This involves a detailed analysis of fire protection systems, means of egress, and potential fire hazards, among other aspects. Their expertise helps to identify any deficiencies or potential issues in the design that could lead to safety concerns once the building is occupied. By conducting this review before construction begins, the fire plans examiner helps to ensure that safety standards are met, ultimately contributing to the protection of life and property.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the specific role of a fire plans examiner. Approving architectural designs without assessments would undermine the important scrutiny needed to ensure code compliance, while overseeing onsite construction management typically falls to other roles such as project managers or site supervisors. Estimating total project costs is also outside the scope of a fire plans examiner's responsibilities, as their focus is on safety and code compliance rather than financial assessments.