Meeting Minutes of the Technical Correlating Committee on the Signaling Systems for the Protection of Life and Property September 21, 2010 (Indianapolis, IN) Item 10-9-1 Call to Order Chair Robert P. Schifiliti (R.P. Schifiliti Associates, Inc.) called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM ET. Item 10-9-2a Roll Call In addition to the chair, the following TCC members were present: Aiken, Douglas M. (P) Berezowski, Andrew G. (P) Boyer, Robert J. (P) Fannin, John C., III (P) Fiore, Louis T. (P) Fraser, Bruce (P) Humm, Vic (P) Klein, David (P) Larrimer, Peter A. (P) Leber, Fred M. (P) Mundy, James M. Jr. (P) Norton, Thomas F. (P) Reiswig, Rodger (P) Smith, Tom G. (P) Brooks, Jeffrey (A) Hammerberg, Thomas P. (A) McNamara, Jack (A) Shudak, Larry (VA) Van Overmeiren, Frank (A) Bunker, Merton W., Jr. (NV PRO Chair) Dallaire, L.J. (NV HOU Chair) Grill, Raymond A. (NV NAS Chair) Knight, Jeffrey G. (NV PRS Chair) Moore, J. Jeffrey (NV TMS Chair) Moore, Wayne D. (NV ECS Chair) O Connor, Daniel J. (NV IDS Chair) Olsen, Warren E. (NV SSS Chair) International Municipal Signal Association National Electrical Manufacturers Association Edwards, a UTC Company SafePlace Corporation Central Station Alarm Association Fraser Fire Protection Services Vic Humm & Associates International Association of Fire Chiefs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Leber/Rubes Incorporated Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc US Naval Historical Center Tyco International National Electrical Contractors Association Tyco International Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc National Electrical Manufacturers Association Underwriters Laboratories Inc. FP&C Consultants, Inc US Department of State US Architect of the Capitol Arup Fire City of Newton Fire Department Hughes Associates, Inc Hughes Associates, Inc Aon/Schirmer Engineering Corp Fire Safety Consultants, Inc. The following TCC members were not present: Black, Art (P) Carmel Fire Dept/Carmel Fire Protection 1
Nielson, Lynn (P) Wenzel, Larry (P) Bukowski, Dick W. (A) Valois, Earl A. (A) Clary, Shane M. (NV FUN Chair) Reiss, Martin H. (NV Safety to Life CC) Stauffer, Evan E. (NV Public Emer Serv) Wilson, Dean K. (NV Member Emeritus) City of Henderson Hughes Associates, Inc Rolf Jensen & Associates International Association of Fire Chiefs Bay Alarm Company The RJA Group, Inc. US Department of the Navy Hughes Associates, Inc. The following NFPA Staff was present: Richardson, Lee F. (Secretary) Roux, Richard Burke, William NFPA NFPA NFPA Item 10-9-2b Approval of Agenda It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously affirmative that the agenda for this meeting of the Technical Correlating Committee on Signaling Systems for the Protection of Life and Property be approved. Item 10-9-3 Staff Remarks NFPA staff provided opening remarks including a review of NFPA regulations regarding special experts, essential patent claims, basic meeting procedures and cycle schedules for NFPA 72 and NFPA 720. An integrated NFPA 72 and NFPA 720 TCC schedule was provided and will be added to the Ecommittee page for the TCC. There was a general question on electronic signature requirements for proposals submitted electronically (by email). NFPA staff was requested to investigate and report back. [Subsequently, NFPA Staff determined that electronic signatures must be in the form of an actual signature placed electronically on the proposal form (e.g. pasting a scanned pdf or a jpeg onto the signature space).] Item 10-9-4 Approval of April 7, 2010 Meeting Minutes It was noted that minutes should be amended to show Jim Mundy in attendance. It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously affirmative that the minutes of the April 7, 2010 meeting of the Technical Correlating Committee on Signaling Systems for the Protection of Life and Property be approved as amended. The amended meeting minutes are enclosed. Item 10-9-5 Document Information and Ecommittee Pages 2
NFPA staff provided a live demonstration of the NFPA 72 document information page and the Ecommittee page. It was noted that agendas, meeting notices and meeting minutes are now being placed on the document information page. The subject of having web-based meetings versus face-to-face meetings was discussed. It was agreed that these types of meetings can be productive where the agenda is not too long or for smaller groups. However, it was also agreed that the ROP and ROC meetings for NFPA 72 should continue to be face-to-face. Item 10-9-6 Update on ITM Summit An overview of the ITM Summit activities was provided highlighting some of the significant points presented in the ITM Summit Meeting Minutes and Standards Council Summary. The primary objective of the summit was to come up with a plan outlining how to assure all aspects of end-to-end testing of fire safety systems is to be achieved while avoiding conflicts within the scopes of different systems/committees. Among the points presented was the concept that the scope and purpose of initial versus periodic inspection/testing may be different and the methods used to accomplish the two categories of inspection/testing may be better addressed in different ways. Another key point was the recognition that from a practical standpoint end-to-end testing would probably require an allowance to perform well-designed segmented testing as well as integrated end-to-end testing. One reason for this is that it may be detrimental or disruptive to repetitively operate interfaced equipment. Another reason is that coordination of qualified personnel or legal restrictions on which personnel are permitted to perform certain aspects of testing can be issues. It was recognized that there needs to be a means to keep track of segments of testing that is accomplished and segments that remain to be accomplished. There also needs to be a means to verify that components disconnected or bypassed to accomplish segmented testing are returned their proper in-service condition. As a part of the ITM summit discussions it was recognized that coordination of the interrelationship between different system/equipment standards was probably best achieved by having cross-representation on different committees. The TCC has official liaisons on the following committees: Tom Norton (NV) Wayne Moore (NV) Shane Clary (NV Alt) NFPA 25, INM-AAA, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Systems NFPA 101, SAF-AAC, Safety to Life [TCC] NFPA 101, SAF-AAC, Safety to Life [TCC] It was noted that many other members of the TCC also serve on other technical committees. An impromptu survey was conducted of the TCC members present to identify their committee service affiliations. See attached list. It was pointed out that the final recommendation to the Standards Council still needs to be developed. This will likely require at least one more meeting (or teleconference) of key participants to consider and draft the final recommendations. 3
As an offshoot of TCC discussions on the ITM Summit, it was suggested that testing required for water flow switches should be investigated to try to reduce the frequency of actually flowing water required by both NFPA 72 and NFPA 25. Frequent testing by flowing water introduces air into the piping which can promote corrosion. A TCC task group was formed (Task Group on Sprinkler Water Flow) to pursue this. Task group members include Tom Norton (Chair), Jeff Moore and Jim Mundy. Item 10-9-7 Glossary of Terms Several categories of terminology were discussed by the TCC including: 1) Glossary of terms definitions in general 2) Terminology related to the meaning and use of different alarm signals (fire, CO, Security, and others) along with their occasional designation as supervisory signals. 3) Terminology related to control locations, including Fire Command Center, Central Control Point, Central Control Station, Emergency Control Center, Controls, and others. 4) Terminology related to emergency plans, including Exit Plan, Fire Safety Plan, Evacuation Plan, Relocation Plan and others TCC task groups were appointed to review issues and develop proposals for these categories as follows: 1) Task Group on Glossary of Terms review terms in NFPA 72 and NFPA 720 for correlation within these documents and for correlation with the NFPA Glossary of Terms (GOT). The task group should investigate the preferred and not preferred status and work with the Glossary of Terms Technical Advisory Committee to resolve concerns. Task group members include Frank Van Overmeiren (chair) and Jack McNamara. Additional task group members should include a member from each technical committee. 2) Task Group on Alarm, Supervisory and Trouble Signal Terminology review terms in NFPA 72 and NFPA 720 for correlation within the documents and with the GOT. In some cases alarm signals have been treated as supervisory signals in order to avoid unnecessary occupant notification. In addition issues have been raised recently concerning the different types of alarm signals and how they should be addressed in the code so that proper distinction and response is provided. Task group members include Andrew Berezowski (chair), Wayne Moore, Larry Shudak, Ray Grill, and Dave Klein. The two primary GOT Task Group members are also included. 3) Task Group on Control Locations Terminology - review terms in NFPA 72 and NFPA 720 for correlation within these documents and for correlation with the NFPA Glossary of Terms (GOT). Terminology should be consistent throughout the documents and clear distinctions should be made where similar terms are used for different control locations. Task group members include Doug Aiken (chair), Wayne Moore, and Jeff Knight. 4) Task Group on Emergency Plan Terminology - review terms in NFPA 72 and NFPA 720 for correlation within these documents and for correlation with the NFPA Glossary of Terms (GOT). Terminology should be consistent throughout the documents and clear distinctions should be made where similar terms are used for different plans. [Task group members have not yet been assigned.] Item 10-9-8 AFAA Webinar 4
The TCC had a working lunch and viewed the AFAA Webinar on The Demise of the Dialer which provided a brief historical review of dialers (old tape dialers not code compliant), digital alarm communicator systems (DACS), radio systems and the current transition to IP communicators. The focus of the webinar was on DACS and how the public switched telephone network has changed from plain old telephone service (POTS) originally characterized by the use of copper conductors from end to end to networks that use packet switching (VoIP technology). The concept of reliability was introduced the speed with which we know the communications link is down including active systems (more liable) and passive systems (less reliable). Item 10-9-9 Communications Methods Following the AFAA webinar NFPA staff provided a short presentation on 2010 Code changes relative to supervising station communications methods. This presentation was primarily developed as a means to help AHJs understand what is required for DACS with regard to the use of non-traditional telephone service (managed facilities-based voice networks) and the separate requirements for IP communicators and radio systems. The requirements for these systems have been difficult to understand especially as they relate to number of channels required, requirements for secondary power for non-fire alarm system components and the pedigree requirements for commercial communication equipment used as a part of the communication pathway. These are areas that need to be made clearer to Code users. Recent reliability discussions have focused on secondary power supply capacity (24 hours versus 8 hours). It was suggested that performance for these system may need to focus more on availability than reliability. Perhaps newer techniques for system supervision (heart beat system) may need to be explored. It was also suggested that subject of communications reliability (availability) might be something that the Fire Protection Research Foundation could help with. Item 10-9-10 Committee Chair Reminders Several topics were discussed in anticipation of the upcoming pre-rop and ROP meetings: 1) Chapters with multiple committee responsibility (such as Chapter 3, 10, and 12) are becoming more common in the Code. Note that the committee acronym is shown at the end of paragraphs where the committee responsibility is different than the committee with primary responsibility. Committee chairs need to be mindful of this in dealing with proposals. 2) The TCC discussed the possibility of having a new chapter on Plans and Documentation. This was a concept first introduced with the reorganization of the code last cycle. There was general agreement that such as change may be helpful to users (especially AHJs) in recognizing responsibilities for system documentation. Each committee chair was requested to have a task group go through their respective chapter(s) and identify documentation requirements and prepare a separate section to address documentation requirements to be placed temporarily within their chapter. The TCC will subsequently address the placement of the various requirements within a single new chapter. It was anticipated that the new chapter be under the general purview of the Fundamentals 5
committee. As such it was requested that the Fundamentals committee develop an initial framework and front matter for the chapter. It was also suggested that since documentation requirements will be somewhat based on the type of system, a flowchart might be helpful to determine the extent of document needed. 3) The subject of committee chair training was addressed. NFPA is sponsoring extensive committee chair training to help chairs become more familiar with NFPA regulations and procedures (current and planned) and to help chairs become more effective in running meetings and organizing committee work. This training has already been attended by several chairs and has been very well received by participants. The TCC requested that all chairs attend this periodic training prior to the ROP meetings in January. 4) It was requested that each committee chair have a task group review Chapter 14 for requirements related to systems and equipment addressed by their chapter. The committee should make sure that equipment and features are adequately addressed and provide proposals to update relevant parts of Chapter 14 where needed to address both current and anticipated equipment and features. Chairs were reminded that consideration should be given to whether inspection and test methods should be addressed differently for acceptance testing versus periodic testing. In addition and as a consequence of related discussions it was suggested that ITM committee assign a task group to update Annex G. Item 10-9-11 25-Year Pins No report was provided. Item 10-9-12 Review of NFPA 550 At previous TCC meeting it was suggested that there was a need to review NFPA 550 and provide update proposals. NFPA 550, Guide to Fire Safety Concepts Tree, is in the Fall 2011 cycle, the proposal closing date was May 28, 2010, and the Report on Proposals is expected to be out by December 22, 2010. A TCC task group was assigned to review the proposals and generate comments as needed. Task group members include Lynn Nielson (chair), Dan O Connor and Ken Dungan. Item 10-9-13 TCC Joint Task Group on Wiring No report was provided. The 2011 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, is at the end of the cycle. Item 10-9-14 New Business Several topics were addressed under new business: 1) The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) the midst of organizing a project to provide guidance on messaging strategies for voice communications systems. The initial stage would be to do a literature review on the subject and hopefully provide some recommendations in time for incorporation on the next edition of NFPA 72. This work would be done by NIST (Erica Kuligowski), however funding has become an issue. Kathleen Almand has requested feedback on the funding issue. [It is noted that the funding issue was subsequently resolved as a research grant was approved from DHS.] 6
2) Lou Fiore indicated that some questions have been raised regarding the methods used to test and document the availability and performance of radio transmission paths especially when mesh networks are involved. Some work has been done with the Amateur Radio Relay League to find a means to resolve these concerns. 3) The concern was raised that the phrase listed for the purpose (see 10.3.1) may not be developed as fully as needed in some applications so that the intended requirement is clear. Committees should review their chapters for situations where additional clarification is warranted. The intended purpose needs to be made clear (listed for the purpose of what ) and in some cases the code needs to be clearer about when listing is required. 4) Jim Mundy suggested that the NFPA 72 committees pay closer attention to the requirements in NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols. Recently a task group of the committee (of which Jim is a member) proposed some revisions to fire alarm symbols used design documents. Jim encouraged NFPA 72 committees to review the changes and terminologies proposed for NFPA 170 (especially for correlation with NFPA 72) and provide comments accordingly. The comment closing deadline for NFPA 170 is March 4, 2011. [The proposal was subsequently forwarded to all NFPA 72 chairs.] 5) It was requested that each committee take a look at the structure of their chapter to see if improvements can be made in the organization and number of paragraphs. In some cases paragraph numbers are excessively long. Note that NFPA Manual of Style permits up to six digits but committees should strive to keep numbering shorter if possible. The intent here is to improve the flow of requirements and enhance the usability of the document. An outline of section/paragraph numbers with associated titles (up to four digits) was provided to each committee for their use in this effort. 6) The question was raised concerning the tracking of code adoptions for NFPA 72. It was requested that NFPA implement some form of tracking. 7) The need for cleanup and correlation of code requirements related to providing low frequency tones was identified. A task group was appointed to review the requirements and prepare proposals as needed. Task group members include Wayne Moore (or ECS designee) (chair), Vic Humm, Peter Larrimer, Ray Grill (or NAS designee). Item 10-9-15 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:00 PM. Respectfully Submitted Lee F. Richardson Staff Liaison and Secretary 7
NFPA 72 TCC Member s Membership on Other Committees Document Committee TCC Member NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code FCC-AAA Fire Code Wayne Moore NFPA 3, Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated Testing CMF-AAA, Commissioning Fire Protection Systems Tom Norton Roger Reiswig of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation AUT-AAC, Automatic Sprinkler Systems [TCC] Ray Grill of Sprinkler Systems NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water- Based Fire Protection Systems NFPA 70, National Electrical Code INM-AAA, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Systems NEC-AAC, National Electrical Code [TCC] Peter Larrimer Tom Norton* Merton Bunker NFPA 76, Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Management Systems NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences NFPA 92B, Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Spaces NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities NFPA 101, Life Safety Code NFPA 101A, Guide on Alternative Approaches to Life Safety NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols NFPA 551, Guide for the Evaluation of Fire Risk Assessments NEC-P16, Code-Making Panel 16 TEL-AAA, Telecommunications AIC-AAA, Air Conditioning SMO-AAA, Smoke Management Systems SMO-AAA, Smoke Management Systems SMO-AAA, Smoke Management Systems HEA-FUN, Fundamentals SAF-AAC, Safety to Life [TCC] SAF-HEA, Health Care Occupancies SAF-BSF, Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment SAF-FUN, Fundamentals SAF-DET, Detention and Correctional Occupancies SAF-ALS, Alternate Approaches to Life Safety FIS-AAA, Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols FIR-AAA, Fire Risk Assessment Methods Jack McNamara Tom Norton Merton Bunker Tom Hammerburg Larry Shudak Larry Shudak Larry Shudak Jack McNamara Frank Van Overmeiren Shane Clary* Wayne Moore* Peter Larrimer Dan O Connor Bob Boyer Ray Grill Tom Hammerberg Peter Larrimer Larry Shudak Tom Hammerberg Jack McNamara Peter Larrimer Jim Mundy 8
NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide(CO) Detection and Warning Equipment Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide(CO) Detection and Warning Equipment SIG-CAR, Carbon Monoxide Detection Jeff Brooks Lou Fiore Jeff Knight Jim Mundy Tom Norton NFPA 730, Guide for Premises Security PMM-AAA, Premises Security John Fannin Lou Fiore Wayne Moore Tom Smith NFPA 731, Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems NFPA 909, Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties - Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship NFPA 914: Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures PMM-AAA, Premises Security CUL-AAA Cultural Resources CUL-AAA Cultural Resources John Fannin Lou Fiore Wayne Moore Tom Smith Wayne Moore Fred Leber Fred Leber Wayne Moore NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators PUF-AAA, Public Emergency Service Communication EMB-AAA, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Emergency Operations Committee Doug Aiken Jeff Knight John Fannin Merton Bunker Bruce Fraser Tom Norton * Official Signaling Systems Liaison 9