VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Marshal s Office 7110 NE 63 rd Street, Vancouver, WA 98661 360-487-7260 http://www.vanfire.org Fire Protection Contractor Bulletin Volume 2, Issue 2 June 24, 2009 In this issue: General Alarm Issues Fire Alarm Affidavit Program Alarm Systems Unlisted for Commercial Use Stand Alone 110 Volt Detectors NICET Certification General Sprinkler Issues State Certification Cards Flex Connections Confidence Testing 13-D Systems RCW 18.70 General Hood and Duct Issues Endorsement Program IT&M Reports Public Education Bulletins Building Inspector Help Upcoming Dates: Fire alarm contractor forum July 21 at 09:30 AM Headquarters 7110 NE 63 rd ST 98661 Fire Sprinkler contractor forum July 28 at 09:30 AM Headquarters 7110 NE 63 rd ST 98661 Hood and Duct Contractor Forum August 4 at 09:30 AM Headquarters 7110 NE 63 rd ST 98661 General Alarm Issues Fire Alarm Affidavit Program Fire Protection Engineer Dennis Megrditchian and Lead Deputy Fire Marshal John Gentry are working on a Fire Alarm Affidavit Permit. The affidavit permit will be for 1-4 devices only. The goal of the affidavit permit is to lower the cost associated with opening a permit for a small job. A draft of the affidavit will be available in the near future. Please contact Dennis Megrditchian for more information. Alarm Systems that are Unlisted for Commercial Use Fire Marshal Jim Crawford is working on creating a policy to eliminate businesses maintaining any kind of alarm system that is unlisted for commercial use. The contractors gave feedback, at the last Alarm Forum, encouraging Chief Crawford to require any business that maintains unlisted devices to have them removed. The policy will be available on the web page shortly. Maintenance and Testing of Stand Alone 110 Volt Detectors The Vancouver Fire Marshal s Office (FMO) is looking into the requirements on the maintenance and testing of stand alone 110 volt detectors. A large concern is placed on the sensitivity testing of the detectors. Reference: NFPA 72 Section 10.1.2.3.4. Deadline for Alarm Contractors NICET Certification Alarm contractors are concerned with meeting the July 1 st deadline for NICET certification. The FMO will be flexible about compliance as long as the contractor can demonstrate they are in the process of obtaining NICET certification. This decision arose due to a lack of alarm contractor certification testing availability in our geographical area. General Sprinkler Issues State Certification Cards for Sprinkler Contractors...David and Jamie looking into this add to bulletin later. Flex Connections If a contractor is using flex connections they must go by either the UL or FM listing. You cannot mix design criteria from the two listings or they will contradict each other thus causing the probability that the system will not work correctly.
PAGE 2 VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 A Note for Completing Confidence Testing If a business has you come in to fix their deficiencies please do not write on their confidence test report No deficiencies and leave out the work that was done. It is better to fill out the work that was done and than list corrected deficiencies. This helps the FMO know what has been done at the business to correct outstanding code violations. The FMO has noticed more notations on confidence test reports if the contractor was told not to do certain work. The FMO will look into the business s decision and if it meets our expectations, like an old building meeting old codes, we will send feedback to the business and the contractor notifying them about the decision. Communication on 13-D Systems REMINDER: sprinkler contractors installing 13-D systems need to coordinate with the general and plumbing contractors on the installation of the underground supply line to the house. The sprinkler contractor may see faults in the type or size of piping used and can save a lot of time and money making sure the proper piping is used. RCW 18.70 There was a discussion at the sprinkler contractor forum about the licensing requirements for fitters. It became effective on January 1, 2009. There are two levels of licensing for fitters. Here is the complete portion of the RCW: 18.270.010 Definitions. (Effective January 1, 2009.) The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Certificate" means a certificate of competency granted by the director under the terms of this chapter, and is valid within the state and all political subdivisions, and meets all of the requirements for license or certification that may be applied by the political subdivisions. (2) "Contractor" means any person, corporation, or other entity, licensed under chapter 18.160 RCW, which performs any work covered by the provisions of this chapter. (3) "Director" means the state director of fire protection. (4) "Fire protection sprinkler fitting" means installing, altering, and repairing sprinkler, standpipe, hose, or other hazard systems for fire protection purposes that are an assembly of piping or conduit beginning at the connection to the primary water supply within a building, sprinkler tank heaters, air lines, and all tanks and pumps attached thereto. (5) "Journey-level sprinkler fitter" means any person who has been issued a certificate by the director as provided by this chapter. (6) "NFPA 13-D" means the standard in use by the national fire protection association for the installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in one and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes whenever the provisions of this chapter are applied. (7) "NFPA 13-R" means the standard in use by the national fire protection association for the installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in residential dwellings up to and including four stories in height whenever the provisions of this chapter are applied. (8) "Person" means a natural person, including an owner, manager, partner, officer, employee, or occupant.
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT PAGE 3 (9) "Residential sprinkler fitter" means anyone who has been issued a certificate by the director limited to installation, maintenance, and repair of the fire protection sprinkler system of residential occupancies as defined by NFPA 13-D and NFPA 13-R. (10) "Trainee" means anyone who has been issued a training certificate by the director who is learning the fire protection sprinkler fitting trade under the direct supervision of a journey-level sprinkler fitter or residential sprinkler fitter. [2007 c 435 1.] 18.270.020 Certificate required Penalties. (Effective January 1, 2009.) (1) No person may engage in the trade of fire protection sprinkler fitting without having a valid journeylevel sprinkler fitter certificate, residential sprinkler fitter certificate, training certificate, or temporary certificate, with the exception of a certified plumber installing a residential fire protection sprinkler system connected to potable water requiring a plumbing certificate. (2) No contractor may employ a person in violation of subsection (1) of this section to perform fire protection sprinkler fitting work. (3) A person found by the director to have committed an infraction under this chapter shall be assessed a monetary penalty as set by rule. (4) Each day in which a person engages in the trade of fire protection sprinkler fitting in violation of subsection (1) of this section or employs a person in violation of subsection (2) of this section is considered a separate infraction. [2007 c 435 3.] 18.270.030 Examination. (Effective January 1, 2009.) The director shall adopt a written examination to be administered to applicants for certificates. [2007 c 435 4.] 18.270.040 Application requirements Certificate without examination. (Effective January 1, 2009.) (1) Every applicant for a certificate shall pay an examination fee and satisfactorily pass an examination as provided by rule. (2) Every applicant for a certificate shall apply to the director on an application form provided by the director and pay the application fee as provided by rule. (3) (a) Every applicant for a journey-level sprinkler fitter certificate shall provide evidence to the director on a form provided by the director of at least eight thousand hours of trade-related fire protection sprinkler fitting experience. (b) Every applicant for a residential sprinkler fitter certificate shall provide evidence to the director on a form provided by the director of at least four thousand hours of trade-related fire protection sprinkler fitting or residential sprinkler fitting experience. (4) Every applicant for a training certificate shall provide evidence to the director on a form provided by the director of trade-related employment by a contractor. (5) (a) The director shall grant a journey-level sprinkler fitter certificate without examination to any applicant who, during the ninety days following January 1, 2009, submits an application for such certifica-
PAGE 4 VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 tion and evidence of his or her employment as a journey-level sprinkler fitter for a period of not less than eight thousand hours. (b) The director shall grant a residential sprinkler fitter certificate without examination to any applicant who, during the ninety days following January 1, 2009, submits an application for such certification and evidence of his or her employment as a journey-level sprinkler fitter or a residential sprinkler fitter for a period of not less than four thousand hours. (6) The director may grant a certificate without examination to any applicant who is a journey-level sprinkler fitter or residential sprinkler fitter from a state whose requirements for certification are at least substantially equivalent to the requirements of this state, and which extends the same privileges of reciprocity to journey-level sprinkler fitters or residential sprinkler fitters from this state. [2007 c 435 5.] 18.270.050 Certificate expiration and renewal. (Effective January 1, 2009.) (1) A certificate expires on December 31st. (2) The certificate shall be renewed every other year. (3) Before the expiration date of the certificate, every applicant shall reapply to the director on an application form provided by the director and pay the application fee as provided by rule. (4) If a certificate is not renewed before its expiration date, an applicant must: [2007 c 435 6.] (a) Apply to the director on an application form provided by the director; (b) Pay an application fee to the director as provided by rule; (c) Pay an examination fee as provided by rule; and (d) Successfully pass the written examination required by this chapter. 18.270.060 Fees Deposit and use. (Effective January 1, 2009.) All receipts from fees and charges or from the money generated by the rules adopted under this chapter shall be deposited into the fire protection contractor license fund created in RCW 18.160.050 and used for the purposes authorized under this chapter. [2007 c 435 7.] 18.270.070 Violations Investigations. (Effective January 1, 2009.) An authorized representative of the director may investigate alleged violations of this chapter. Upon request of an authorized representative, a person performing fire protection sprinkler fitting or residential sprinkler fitting work must produce evidence of a certificate issued by the director in accordance with this chapter. Failure to produce such evidence is an infraction as provided by RCW 18.270.020. [2007 c 435 8.] 18.270.080 Appeals. (Effective January 1, 2009.) A person wishing to appeal a determination of infraction under this chapter must file an appeal within twenty
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT PAGE 5 days of the date of the notice of infraction in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. [2007 c 435 9.] 18.270.090 Suspension. (Effective January 1, 2009.) The director shall immediately suspend any certificate issued under this chapter if the holder has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for certification during the suspension, reissuance of the certificate shall be automatic upon the director's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the person is in compliance with the order. [2007 c 435 10.] 18.270.900 Administration of chapter. (Effective January 1, 2009.) (1) This chapter shall be administered by the director. (2) The director may adopt rules necessary for the administration of this chapter. [2007 c 435 2.] 18.270.901 Effective date 2007 c 435. This act takes effect January 1, 2009. [2007 c 435 12.] General Hood and Duct Issues Endorsement Program The endorsement program arose due the adoption of NFPA 96 locally in the Vancouver Municipal Code. The adoption requires Vancouver to enforce work done by establishing an endorsement program. This allows the Vancouver FMO to enforce a high quality standard for the work done in Vancouver. July 1, 2009 is the deadline for endorsement applications. The Vancouver Fire Department is working with IKEKA to establish an affordable certification program. The cost of certification for the endorsement has prompted a change in the application process. Hood and duct contractors must have their application in by July 1, 2009, however if they do not have their certification at that time they must show they have plans for obtaining certification within the next 6 months. A temporary endorsement will be issued. If certification is not provided within the 6 months the endorsement will be void and the contractor will not be allowed to do work in the City of Vancouver. With the endorsement program the FMO will be able to take proper action against individual workers not just the company the individual works for. If a person is doing bad work they may have their endorsement taken away. This will ensure that the person cannot get hired through another company and continue doing poor work in the City of Vancouver. The installation of kitchen exhaust systems and the cleaning of the systems are two different matters and do not require the same certification. You may obtain relevant certification in your area of work. Inspection Testing & Maintenance (IT&M) Reports The FMO reviews all IT&M reports. The review of these reports allows the FMO to see if required testing and maintenance is being completed. Contractors should be including all relevant information on these reports. If there are deficiencies which have been corrected during the contractor s visit to the business the deficiencies
PAGE 6 VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 should be included on the report and marked as corrected. This enables the FMO to see what work was done. If the business refuses to correct the deficiencies this should be noted as well. The FMO will be able to take action against the business to have deficiencies corrected. It is required that All IT&M reports be submitted to the FMO by the contractors within 30 days of the service date. A sample IT&M report form for kitchen exhaust systems has been attached at the end of this bulletin. You may use this form for submission or use your own. Public Education Bulletins Information regarding the Vancouver FMO requirements is published on our website in the form of public education bulletins. We urge businesses to look at these bulletins when looking for a contractor. It may be of use to contractors to review these bulletins as well to help field important questions customers may be asking. Building Inspector Asks for Input Please help Building Inspector, Rich Uskoski gain insight for new construction. If you wish to contact Rich Uskoski regarding kitchen exhaust systems during new construction please email him at rich.uskoski@ci.vancouver.wa.us or call him at 360-487-7856. A Note to All Fire Protection Contractors: Please look on the next page for the Administrative Policy 9.01, Qualification Requirements for Fire Protection System Contractors & Employees.
Policy #: 9.01 Developed By: David M. Smith Reviewed and Approved By: Jim Crawford VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Marshal s Office Administrative Policy Subject of Policy: Qualification Requirements for Fire Protection System Contractors & Employees Title: Date: Deputy Fire Marshal Title: Fire Marshal May 21, 2007 Effective Date: June 21, 2007 Next Review: July 1, 2008 PURPOSE: REFERENCES: SCOPE: It is the intent of this policy to insure that fire protection systems and interrelated equipment are altered, cleaned, designed, installed, maintained, repaired, serviced or tested by individuals and companies who have demonstrated a basic knowledge to perform such work in accordance with the applicable codes and nationally recognized standards. International Fire Code (IFC), 2003 Edition Vancouver Municipal Code, Section 16.04 This policy is applicable to all locations where the City of Vancouver has jurisdiction and is intended to apply to new and existing fire protection systems. An integral part of being recognized as a trade is that some form of training and certification is required on the part of the people performing the work. Training and certification establishes individuals are aware of how the work should be performed, what expectation levels are required and what are the rules governing the performance of the trade and the equipment they work on. In order to ensure that fire protection systems are serviced properly, amendments made to 2003 the International Fire Code via the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) require that work is supervised by a person holding the necessary endorsements. APPLICATIONS: Application forms are available from the Fire Marshals Office, located at 900 W. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660. Applicants are required to submit documentation along with a completed application form identifying they meet the following requirements. Page 1 of 5
Applicants for individual endorsements must provide current personal identification in the form of a valid driver s license or another form of picture identification acceptable to the fire code official. INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS: Commercial Cooking Exhaust Cleaner (CCEC) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by an independent third party testing and certification agency. Submission of a certificate from any of the following approved programs is acceptable. Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist (CECS), administered through the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) Certified Kitchen Exhaust Cleaner (CKEC), administered through the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) Phil Ackland's Exhaust Cleaners Certification Protocol, administered through Phil Ackland Holdings Ltd. Fire Alarm System Designer of Record (FASDR) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III or IV in Automatic Fire Alarm Systems OR be a licensed engineer with experience in fire protection system design. Licensed engineers may be required to provide proof of experience in design of fire protection systems. Fire Alarm System Install/Repair (FASIR) Endorsement. Applicants shall work for a properly licensed electrical contractor, possess and submit a copy of an appropriate electrician certification as identified by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II in Fire Alarm Systems. Fire Alarm System Testing and Inspection (FASIT) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II in Fire Alarm Systems. Fixed Suppression System Designer of Record (FSSDR) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III in Special Hazards Suppression Systems and proof of factory certification by the manufacturer for the specific system being designed/submitted OR be a licensed engineer with experience in fire protection system design. Licensed engineers may be required to provide proof of experience in design of fire protection systems. Vancouver Fire Department 7110 NE 63 rd Street Vancouver, WA 98661 360-487-7260 Phone 360-487-7227 Fax www.vanfire.org Page 2 of 5 Effective: 6/21/2007
Fixed Suppression System Install, Repair, Testing (FSSIRT) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II in Special Hazards Suppression Systems and proof of factory certification by the manufacturer for the specific system being installed/serviced OR be a licensed engineer with experience in fire protection system design. Licensed engineers may be required to provide proof of experience in design of fire protection systems. Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Suppression System (PEKFS) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by an independent third party testing and certification agency. Submission of a certificate from either of the following approved programs is acceptable. Factory certification for the individual by the manufacturer for the specific system Fire Protection Certification Limited Pre-Engineered Kitchen Suppression System Technician certification administered through the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDR1) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level 1 certificate of competency issued by the Washington State Fire Marshals Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design. Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDR2) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level 2 certificate of competency issued by the Washington State Fire Marshals Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design. Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDR3) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level 3 certificate of competency issued by the Washington State Fire Marshals Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design. Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDRU) Endorsement. Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level U certificate of competency issued by the Washington State Fire Marshals Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective Vancouver Fire Department 7110 NE 63 rd Street Vancouver, WA 98661 360-487-7260 Phone 360-487-7227 Fax www.vanfire.org Page 3 of 5 Effective: 6/21/2007
certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design. Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIR1) Endorsement. Under review awaiting result of HB 1968-2007-08 Requiring certification for sprinkler fitters, to complete process through rules making committee. Must be employed by a Level 1 state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043. Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIR2) Endorsement. Under review awaiting result of HB 1968-2007-08 Requiring certification for sprinkler fitters, to complete process through rules making committee. Must be employed by a Level 2 state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043. Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIR3) Endorsement. Under review awaiting result of HB 1968-2007-08 Requiring certification for sprinkler fitters, to complete process through rules making committee. Must be employed by a Level 3 state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043. Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIRU) Endorsement. Under review awaiting result of HB 1968-2007-08 Requiring certification for sprinkler fitters, to complete process through rules making committee. Must be employed by a Level U state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043. Sprinkler System Testing Technician Endorsement. Persons conducting inspections or tests on Wet and Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems shall provide proof of certification as a Washington State Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Testing Technician OR be a licensed engineer with experience testing fire protection systems. The individual must be employed by either a licensed level 3 Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor or an Inspection and Testing Contractor. Persons conducting inspections or tests on Pre-Action, Deluge, Anti- Freeze, Fire Pumps or Foam Systems shall provide proof of certification as a Washington State Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Testing Technician OR be a licensed engineer with experience testing fire protection systems. The individual must be employed by a licensed level 3 Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor and be supervised by the Certificate of Competency holder for the WA State licensed Level III fire sprinkler contractor. Vancouver Fire Department 7110 NE 63 rd Street Vancouver, WA 98661 360-487-7260 Phone 360-487-7227 Fax www.vanfire.org Page 4 of 5 Effective: 6/21/2007
CONTRACTOR ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS: All companies contracting to provide services on fire protection systems shall employ at least one employee holding the necessary individual endorsement(s) for the type(s) of system(s) worked on. The applicant will also need to provide a valid and current City of Vancouver Business License number and WA UBI number with the application. CKEC Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Contractor FASC Fire Alarm System Contractor FSSC Fixed Suppression System Contractor KFSC - Kitchen Fire Suppression System Contractor SSC1 Sprinkler System Contractor Level 1 SSC2 - Sprinkler System Contractor Level 2 SSC3 - Sprinkler System Contractor Level 3 SSCU - Sprinkler System Contractor Level U SSTC - Sprinkler System Testing Contractor PROCEDURE: Endorsements issued to applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will remain valid for a period of 3 years unless suspended or revoked by the fire code official. Endorsements remain the property of the Vancouver Fire Department and shall be surrendered upon renewal or revocation. Prior to the expiration date of endorsements, applicants shall submit another completed application form and provide a copy of all current requirements. Work performed with an expired endorsement will be subject to enforcement under Section 105.12 Enforcement of Endorsement Requirements of the International Fire Code as adopted by the Vancouver Municipal Code. IMPLEMENTATION: This policy will be effective immediately upon the effective date of the enabling ordinance. Contractors and individuals designing, installing or testing and inspecting kitchen exhaust systems, fire alarm systems, and other types of fixed fire protection systems will have 18 months from the effective date of the enabling ordinance to obtain the necessary endorsement(s). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For questions regarding this policy, please contact the City of Vancouver Fire Marshal s Office located at 900 W. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660. Telephone (360) 696-8166. Vancouver Fire Department 7110 NE 63 rd Street Vancouver, WA 98661 360-487-7260 Phone 360-487-7227 Fax www.vanfire.org Page 5 of 5 Effective: 6/21/2007
Kitchen Exhaust Systems Cleaning Report Property Inspected Date of Inspection: PropertyAddress: Owner: Phone: Multiple Hoods: Yes No Name/location of hood: Appliances Main Fuel Type: Natural Gas Electric Solid Fuel Cooking Volume: Very High High Medium Low Main Cooking Style: Deep Fat Frying Asian Griddle Char Broiling Other: Does exhaust hood capture all heat and cooking effluent? Yes No Exhaust System Hood Type: Modular Extractor Water wash Filter Other: Fan Type: Upblast Other: Fan Termination: Wall Roof Grease containment system: Duct Type: Number of floors of system: Feet of Horizon Duct: Grease build-up on filters Grease build-up in hood Grease build-up in ductwork Grease build-up on fan Grease build-up of roof Entire system interior accessible? Adequate access panels? Filters conforming and in place? Water wash hood operational? Hood Damper operates properly? Dangerous non-conforming access? Light Medium Heavy Extreme Yes No NA Yes No NA Fan tippable or interior accessible? Fan is working properly? Is fan wiring defect free? Roof around fan is free of grease build-up? System is compliant with applicable codes? Entire system clean to applicable codes? Recommended Cleaning Frequency: times per year. Next Cleaning Date: Inaccessible areas exist in this system? Yes No (Areas not inspected are listed in comments.) Summary Name of Cleaning Company: Vancouver Endorsement # Comments: Photos or additional information attached? Technician Name: Endorsement # Signature: Contact Number: