69A-21.403. Application Procedure

(1) The application by a testing laboratory for recognition by the State Fire Marshal as a “nationally recognized testing laboratory” shall not be on any particular form but shall include all of the information and material requested in subsection (2), below.

(2)(a) The address and telephone number of the main facility and all branch offices;

(b) A current organizational chart showing the relationship between administration, operation, and quality control;

(c) Resumes of the education and experience of key personnel;

(d) A floor plan of the main facility and all branch offices indicating location of the equipment used for testing portable fire extinguishers or pre-engineered systems;

(e) A list of all equipment used to test portable fire extinguishers or pre-engineered systems, identified by manufacturer, model number and serial number; detailed plans and specifications shall be submitted on any testing equipment fabricated by the applicant;

(f) Procedures for selecting, receiving, storage, handling, and shipping of test specimens;

(g) Test standards and procedures most frequently used;

(h) Method and frequency of test equipment calibration;

(i) Procedure for safekeeping of records and files;

(j) Copies of all data sheets and test report forms;

(k) Facsimiles of all contracts executed between the testing laboratory and portable extinguisher or pre-engineered system clients;

(l) Procedure for periodic updating of the report;

(m) Method of distributing test reports and certifications, including an indication of who may obtain copies of the final reports and how the reports may be obtained;

(n) A copy of the laboratory’s partnership agreement, if a partnership, or of the articles of incorporation, if a corporation, and a copy of any by-laws;

(o) A list of all the portable fire extinguishers or pre-engineered systems presently listed by the testing laboratory showing the manufacturer and the model number;

(p) Copies of the test reports on all listed portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems which must be in sufficient detail to provide for complete verification and evaluation of the operations and objectives, and must include the signature of personnel performing the test and must also include the name of the supervisory engineer;

(q) Whether the applicant testing laboratory has been recognized as a “nationally recognized testing laboratory” by any other state or by an organized, voluntary recognition organization such as the National Voluntary Laboratory Association Program and whether recognition by any other state or organization has been denied;

(r) How long the applicant testing laboratory has tested portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems;

(s) A notarized statement of independence which shall state that, with reference to the laboratory’s testing of portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems:

1. There are no managerial affiliations with any producer, supplier, or vendor;

2. There are no securities investments in any portable extinguisher or pre-engineered systems product line;

3. The employment security of personnel is free from influence by any producer, supplier or vendor of portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems;

4. There are no stock options in any portable extinguisher or pre-engineered systems product line;

5. The laboratory is not owned, operated, or controlled by any producer, supplier, or vendor of portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems.

(3) Upon receipt of a complete application, the State Fire Marshal shall either accept or deny the application. If the application is accepted, the State Fire Marshal shall notify the laboratory and enter the laboratory on its list of acceptable testing laboratories. If the application is denied, the State Fire Marshal shall notify the applicant in writing, stating the reasons for denial and informing the applicant of its rights under Chapter 120, F.S.

(4)(a) Testing laboratories recognized as “nationally recognized” may be subject to random, unannounced inspections to verify the adequacy of their facilities.

(b) Testing laboratories accepted as “nationally recognized” are required to notify the State Fire Marshal within 30 days of any of the following:

1. Change in the company name or the company address;

2. Changes in any major test equipment;

3. Establishment of a new branch office or facility at which portable fire extinguishers or pre-engineered systems are to be tested;

4. Changes in principal officers, key supervisory personnel, or key testing personnel in the company.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 633.104, 633.306(1)(b), 633.308(2), 633.314(2) FS. History–New 2-7-89, Amended 10-20-93, Formerly 4A-21.403.