The proposed rules update Rule Chapter 69A-46, F.A.C., on qualifying and continuing education requirements associated with the maintenance of a Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector Permit and provide for equivalent certifications. The proposed ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Division of State Fire Marshal

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

69A-46.0165Submission of the Application for a Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector Permit

69A-46.017Required Continuing Education

69A-46.030Definitions

69A-46.035Standards of the National Fire Protection Association to be Complied With

69A-46.040Installation Requirements for Automatic Sprinkler Systems Employing Water as the Extinguishing Agent

69A-46.041Inspection Requirements for Fire Protection Systems

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rules update Rule Chapter 69A-46, F.A.C., on qualifying and continuing education requirements associated with the maintenance of a Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector Permit and provide for equivalent certifications. The proposed rules also provide that a contractor’s “authorized agent” may complete and sign test and inspection certificates. The proposed rules newly define various components of water and foam spray systems and adopt NFPA 25 standards regarding the frequency intervals for inspections of such systems. The proposed rules also provide updated guidelines on the attachment of color-coded testing and inspection tags, revise existing forms, and delete unnecessary and obsolete references.

SUMMARY: The proposed rules address qualification and certification criteria relating to Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector Permits, adopt NFPA 25 standards for system inspections and the attachment of inspection tags, and define certain components of water and foam spray systems.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION: The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department’s Division of State Fire Marshal conducted an analysis of the proposed rules potential economic impact and regulatory costs and determined that none of the proposed rules exceed any of the criteria established in subsection 120.541(1), F.S., and, as a result, will not require legislative ratification pursuant to subsection 120.541(3), F.S.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 633.104, 633.318(11), FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 553.79(6), 633.102, 633.104, 633.306, 633.308, 633.312, 633.318(4), (8), (10), (11), 633.332(4), 633.334, 633.338, FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW (IF NOT REQUESTED, THIS HEARING WILL NOT BE HELD):

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, May 31, 2016, 2:00 p.m.

PLACE: 3rd Floor Conference Room, The Atrium Building, 325 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Keith McCarthy, telephone: [phone], email: [e-mail]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Keith McCarthy, Safety Program Manager, Bureau of Fire Prevention, Division of State Fire Marshal, Department of Financial Services; address: 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0342, telephone: [phone], email: [e-mail]

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

CHAPTER 69A-46 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM CONTRACTORS AND SYSTEMS

69A-46.0165 Submission of the Application for a Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector Permit.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) The application shall be accompanied by a fee as prescribed in subsection Section 633.132(1), F.S.

(4) through (7) No change.

(8) A Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector permittee must qualify and maintain a NICET Level II or equivalent certification in a subfield of Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems as a condition to renewal of the permit.

(9) through (11) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104, 633.318(11) FS. Law Implemented 633.318(4), (8), (10), (11), 633.332(4) FS. History–New 5-18-08, Amended 9-25-12, ________.

 

69A-46.017 Required Continuing Education.

(1) through (5) No change.

(6) The number of contact hours assigned to any course shall be determined by the Regulatory Licensing Section based on the course content and length of the course.

(a) through (e) No change.

(f) Examples of courses which will be approved if the criteria and procedures of this rule are met:

1. Florida Fire Sprinkler Association training and seminars meeting;

2. American Fire Sprinkler Association trainings and seminars meeting;

3. NFPA meetings and seminars and;

4. No change.

(g) through (j) No change.

(7) through (9) No change.

(10) Effective July 1, 2005, a Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector shall complete 8 hours of approved continuing education in compliance with Section 633.332, F.S., which are preparatory curriculum for NICET II certification and shall support the general and special work elements for NICET II certification. An additional 16 hours of continuing education must be completed between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2008.

(10)(11) A Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector shall complete 16 hours of approved continuing education coursework in compliance with Section 633.332, F.S., within each biennial license period.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 633.318, 633.332 FS. History–New 10-2-96, Amended 6-18-97, 6-8-98, 11-21-01, Formerly 4A-46.017, Amended 5-18-08, _______.

 

69A-46.030 Definitions.

(1) The For purposes of this part,the definitions provided in Section 633.102, F.S., Rule 69A-46.005, F.A.C., shall also apply to this rule chapter have the same meaning as in Part I.

(2) In addition, the following term shall have the following meaning: “Registered Professional professional Engineer engineer.” shall mean aAn individual who is registered to engage in the practice of engineering as prescribed in Chapter 471, F.S.

(3) Deficiency. For the purposes of inspection, testing, and maintenance of a water-based fire protection system, a condition that will or has the potential to adversely impact the performance of a system or portion thereof but does not rise to the level of an impairment.

(a) Critical Deficiency. A defiency that, if not corrected, can have a material effect on the ability of the fire protection system or unit to function as intended in a fire event. NFPA 25, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C., shall be utilized to determine if a system condition finding is considered a critical deficiency. In addition, not performing required field service testing of sprinklers shall be considered a critical deficiency.

(b) Noncritical Deficiency. A deficiency that does not have a material effect on the ability of the fire protection system or unit to function in a fire event, but correction is needed to meet the requirements of the standard or for the proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system or unit. NFPA 25, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C., shall be utilized to determine if a system condition finding is considered a noncritical deficiency. In addition, failure to perform required 3 and 5 year testing requirements shall be considered a noncritical deficiency.

(4) Impairment. A condition in a fire protection system or unit or portion thereof that may result in the fire protection system or unit not functioning in a fire event. NFPA 25, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C., shall be utilized to determine if a system condition finding is considered an impairment.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 633.102 FS. History–New 12-21-88, Amended 8-1-90, Formerly 4A-46.030, Amended_______.

 

69A-46.035  Standards of the National Fire Protection Association to be Complied With.

The standards of the National Fire Protection Association, which are adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C., including the editions as adopted therein, shall be complied with by all those holding certificates of competency as fire protection system contractors pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 633, F.S.:

(1) NFPA 11, Standard for Low Expansion Foam.

(2) NFPA 11A, Standard for Medium and High Expansion Foam.

(3) NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.

(4) NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems.

(5) NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

(6) NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.

(7) NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.

(8) NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.

(9) NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems and Foam-Water Spray Systems.

(10) NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems.

(11) NFPA 17A, Standard on Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems.

(12) NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps.

(13) NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection.

(14) NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances.

(15) NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(16) NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. Section 7-2.2 of NFPA 96 applies prospectively only. Existing installations are permitted to remain in place subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

(17) NFPA 214, Standard for Water Cooling Towers.

(18) NFPA 231D, Standard for Storage of Rubber Tires.

(19) NFPA 232, Standard for Protection of Records.

(20) NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars.

(21) NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and including four Stories in Height.

(22) NFPA 25, Standard for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems, except that quarterly flow tests will be required for those systems supplied by a municipal water supply.

(23) NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.

(24) NFPA 230, Standard on Fire Protection of Storage.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 633.104, 633.306, 633.312 FS. History–New 12-21-88, Amended 7-19-89, 8-1-90, 10-20-93, 10-2-96, 6-8-98, 11-21-01, Formerly 4A-46.035, Amended________.

 

69A-46.040  Installation Requirements for Automatic Sprinkler Systems Employing Water as the Extinguishing Agent.

(1) Fire protection system contractors installing an automatic sprinkler system employing water as the extinguishing agent shall supervise and be responsible for the complete system in accordance with the provisions of Section 633.334, F.S. The contractor shall be responsible for to installing the complete system in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards adopted in pursuant to Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C., except that if a contractor installs only the underground portion of the system from the point of service to the aboveground connection flange, in compliance with subsection Section 633.334(3), F.S., the contractor he or she shall be responsible for only that portion of the system , and the contractor Contractor installing the remaining portion shall be responsible for the system from the point of connection to the underground throughout the remainder of the system.

(2) The complete system begins at the point-of-service as defined in subsection Section 633.102(24), F.S., and ends at the most remote head inside the facility.

(3) through (5) No change.

(6) The contractor whose name appears on the application for the building permit shall be responsible for the acceptance tests which are required in NFPA 13, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C. The contractor or authorized agent shall complete all portions of the Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate(s) that are related to the system being tested. The contractor or authorized agent shall sign and date the test certificates. In cases where there is no building permit, the contractor that supervised the installation shall be responsible for the performance of these duties.

(7) No change.

(8) Upon successful completion of acceptance tests, newly installed fire protection systems shall not require a tag until the first inspection occurs in accordance with The contractor shall complete and attach to the system a tag as described in Rule 69A-46.041, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 553.79(6), 633.306, 633.334, 633.338 FS. History–New 12-21-88, Amended 8-1-90, 10-20-93, 11-21-01, Formerly 4A-46.040, Amended 5-18-08, Amended______.

 

69A-46.041 Inspection Requirements for Fire Protection Systems.

(1) A Fire Protection Contractor, contracting to perform inspecting, testing, and maintenance service on a fire protection system shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 633, F.S., and the applicable NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) standards, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C. When an inspection/test is required to be performed at a specified frequency, up to and including annually, by NFPA 25, all inspection/tests required more frequently than the specified frequency are also required to be performed, e.g., performance of an annual inspection/test would include the inspection/test required on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and semi-annual frequency.

(2) Each system that has been inspected, tested, or maintained by a fire protection contractor, or his or her permitted Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector, shall have a record tag of durable and weather resistant material placed on the system’s main water control valve riser.

(a) For sprinkler systems, including water spray fixed systems and foam-water sprinkler systems, the main water control valve shall be defined as the valve upstream of the water flow alarm device that controls the entire system.

(b) For standpipe system risers or combination standpipes in a single building, one record tag can be located for all such systems at the main water control valve at the base of the standpipe that is supplying water to all such systems.

(c) For private fire service mains, the main water control valve shall be the first indicating gate valve downstream of the connection to the water source.

(d) Each fire hydrant on a private fire service main shall have a record tag affixed to the hydrant in a manner not to impede operation of the hydrant.

(e) For fire pumps, the main water control valve is defined as the first indicating gate valve downstream of the connection to the water prior to the pump. For multiple fire pumps, one record tag shall be placed at each indicating gate valve prior to each individual fire pump.

(f) For water storage tanks, the main water control valve is defined as the tank discharge valve. For multiple water storage tanks one record tag shall be placed at each tank discharge valve.

(g) For water mist systems, the main water control valve is defined as the first control valve upstream of the water mist system. For multiple water mist systems, one record tag shall be placed at each control valve upstream of each individual system.

(3) Inspection Tags.

(a) After inspection and testing, an inspection tag shall be completed indicating all work that has been done and then attached to the system’s main water control valve system riser in such a position as to permit convenient inspection and not hamper activation or operation. A new inspection tag shall be attached to the system’s main water control valve system riser each time an inspection and test service is performed.

(b) No change.

(c) Inspection tags shall bear the following information in an easy-to- easily read format:

1. through 8. No change.

9. The reverse of the Red or Yellow non-compliant tag shall include at least four separate boxes for the listing of repair work as follows:

a. through e. No change.

(d) through (e) No change.

(f) Compliance and Non-compliance Tags that are greater than 1 year old shall be removed from the system except those tags used for 3 and 5 year inspection/tests. The Compliance and Non-compliance Tags shall remain on the system until replaced with the next three 3 or five 5 year inspection/test tag. Water Based Fire Protection Inspectors shall not remove Compliance and Non-compliance Tags from the system when the tags are less than 1 year old.

(g) A fire protection system that has been repaired to correct a noted deficiency or impairment documented during an inspection and test service shall not be required to be reinspected by a Water Based Fire Protection Inspector until the next inspection and test scheduled in accordance with NFPA 25. The repair shall be documented on the reverse side of the Red or Yellow tag and a retagging of the system shall not be required.

(4) Compliance and Noncompliance Tag.

(a) If a fire protection system is found to be in compliance with the applicable NFPA ITM standards, a GREEN Compliance Tag shall be attached to either the main riser or main water control valve in such a manner as to be plainly visible and not more than 60 inches above the finished floor. Green tags shall not be placed on a system if deficiencies or impairments still exist from a previous inspection.

(b) If a fire protection system is found to have noncritical deficiencies and is not in compliance with the applicable NFPA ITM standards, a completed YELLOW RED Non-compliance Tag shall be attached to the main water control valve of the system to indicate that corrective action is necessary. The If the system is operational but not in compliance with the applicable NFPA standards, the building owner or authorized representative and occupant shall be notified by copy of the NFPA 25 inspection report within 30 days of the inspection. If the building owner or authorized representative has not contracted with the inspecting contractor so that the noncritical deficiencies are corrected within 90 days from the date of the inspection, or the inspecting contractor has not received confirmation from the building owner or authorized representative that the corrections have been performed by another licensed contractor, the inspecting contractor shall notify the authority having jurisdiction. If the system is not operational, the contractor or inspector shall notify the building owner or authorized representative, the occupant, and the authority having jurisdiction within 24 hours of the time of the inspection. 

(c) If the system has critical deficiencies or is found to be impaired, a completed RED Non-Compliance Tag shall be attached to the main water control valve of the system, and the contractor or inspector shall notify the building owner or authorized representative within 24 hours of the time of the inspection. If the building owner or authorized representative has not contracted with the inspecting contractor so that the critical deficiencies are corrected within 30 days from the date of the inspection, or the inspecting contractor has not received confirmation from the building owner or authorized representative that the corrections have been performed by another licensed contractor, the inspecting contractor shall notify the authority having jurisdiction. If a system is found to be impaired, the inspecting contractor shall notify the authority having jurisdiction within 72 hours of the time of the inspection if the impairment has not been corrected within 72 hours of the finding.

(d) If a system is found to have noncritical deficiencies or critical deficiencies, and the building tenant(s) is different from the building owner, the building owner shall notify the tenant(s) within 30 days of receipt of the NFPA 25 inspection report.

(e) If a system is found to have impairments, and the building tenant(s) is different from the building owner, the building owner shall notify the tenant(s) within 72 hours of receiving notification of the impairment.

(5) The contractor shall maintain all records of any fire protection system having been inspected, serviced, and maintained as per the applicable NFPA ITM standards. Inspection reports shall be maintained by the contractor for at least 10 years.

(6) These records shall be made available to the State Fire Marshal upon request in the records storage format utilized by the contractor.

(7) The inspection report shall be provided to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in a format mutually determined by the contractor and the AHJ. No other records storage format or transmission method shall be required other than what is required in this rule or NFPA 25, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C.

(8)(7) The contractor or his or her permitted Water-Based Fire Protection Inspector shall complete in detail the inspection reports as required in NFPA 25, as adopted in Rule Chapter 69A-3, F.A.C., that outlines all points of the inspection, test, and maintenance as required by the applicable NFPA ITM standards. A copy of the inspection report shall be provided to the owner at the completion of each inspection performed.

(9)(8) No change.

(10)(9) Pursuant to the provisions of Section 633.312, F.S., it is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the fire protection system and notify the tenant(s) of deficiencies and impairments in accordance with this rule. Affixing an inspection tag as required herein does not eliminate invalidate responsibility, nor shall a transfer of risk be construed.

(11) A contractor or licensee that performs ITM services in accordance with the applicable NFPA ITM standards and this rule shall be deemed to have performed to the required standard of care in performing such services.

Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 633.306, 633.308, 633.312, 633.338 FS. History–New 10-20-93, Amended 11-21-01, Formerly 4A-46.041, Amended 5-18-08, Amended________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Keith McCarthy, Safety Program Manager, Bureau of Fire Prevention, Division of State Fire Marshal, Department of Financial Services

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Financial Services

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: May 3, 2016

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: March 18, 2016