NORCAL FPO
FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Petaluma, CA
August 22, 2003
Attendees:
George Blind- Sunnyvale DPS
Jim Bollier- Sprinkler Fitters 483
David Dewey- Daly City F.D.
Maurice Dong- So. San Francisco F.D.
Steve Hart- NASIP
Tim Rapella-Santa Rosa F.D.
Sam Husoe- NFSA
Dave Secoda- Bay Alarm
John Morgan- Bay Alarm
David Stevens- San Ramon Valley FPD
Vern Person- Lodi F.D.
Loralyn Davis- Sacto. City F.D.
Lisa Beaver- Sacto. City Fire /Bldg
Jeff Ingola -Sacto. City F.D.
Tom Bednar- Lund Pearson McLaughlin
Adult Day Care (E-3) – Alarm Requirements: George Blind discussed the alarm requirements for adult day care centers. He stated that it appears that proposed regulations would require both an automatic and manual fire alarm system in these occupancies. He asked the committee for a consensus on what exactly constituted the automatic alarm system. All agreed that should delayed egress devices be used, smoke detection in all spaces were required. George will try to get a clarification of the proposed regulations from the CSFM.
Draft Resolution: Sam Husoe reported that the draft resolution was before the E-Board for action today. The Board did formally endorse the resolution and it will be on the Cal Chiefs agenda for September.
NFSA Sprinkler Ordinance Survey: Steve Hart said that his survey on local sprinkler ordinances was almost complete. He will be making the completed spreadsheets available soon.
French Fry Vending Machine – Dave Dewey produced an article about a company called Tasty Fries that is marketing a UL listed french fry vending machine. According to their marketing plan, they will be targeting airports, dorms and other high-traffic areas. The automated machine uses dehydrated potato powder mixed with water and then fried in 400-degree low-cholesterol oil to produce the fries. They are actively marketing the machine in California. No details were available concerning how the device would be vented or any built-in fire protection. See the website for more info. www.tastyfries.com
FEMA Sprinkler Initiative – Dave Dewey asked for comments on the proposed sprinkler initiative that has been published by FEMA and the USFA. He specifically asked for comments on the use of partial sprinkler systems in high-hazard areas for retrofit applications.
While most were normally hesitant to endorse the use of partial sprinkler systems, all felt that the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-hazard areas of existing residences might address specific fire problems such as kitchen fires. All cautioned that in any such installation it would be imperative to insure the sprinkler was supplied with adequate flow and pressure.
Sam Husoe mentioned that the "practical difficulties" section of the CFC (103.1.3) currently would allow such partial systems to be used when the installation of a full sprinkler system were impractical.
Water Supply – Steve Hart stated that Petaluma was currently looking at sprinklering 114 buildings in the historic downtown section. He discussed how the requirements for sprinklers uncovered basic water supply problems (fire flow). He asked if the sprinkler requirements of other jurisdictions had uncovered similar problems in their respective cities.
Sprinkler Classes – Jim Bollier reminded everyone that Local 483 of the Sprinkler Fitters Union offered monthly sprinkler seminars for fire inspectors. The class announcement is attached.
Tyco/Central Voluntary Recall Update: An announcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission was passed out. It indicated that procedures for replacing O-ring sprinklers have been modified slightly. For example: It is now possible for a consumer to arrange to have the free replacement sprinklers installed rather than waiting for Tyco to arrange it. For all the details regarding the enhancements to the replacement program, visit: www.sprinklerreplacement.com.
Respectively Submitted,
David Dewey, Co-chair
George Blind, Co-chair