NORCAL FPO

FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

Roseville, CA

October 24, 2003

Attendees:

George Blind - Sunnyvale DPS

Jim Bollier - Sprinkler Fitters Local 483

Dave Dewey - Daly City F.D.

Dave Downing- Millbrae F.D.

Robert Evans - Stockton F.D.

Darrel Harguth- Brooks Equipment Co.

Steve Hart - NASIP

Sam Husoe - NFSA

Dave Secoda - Bay Alarm

Steve Prisk - E.M.S.

Bill Metzinger - Bay Alarm

Patrick Chew -Roseville F.D.

Verne Person -Lodi F.D.

Rex Buthmann -West Point F.D.

Augie Cerdan -Folsom F.D.

Larry Larson - Hillsborough F.D.

Daniel Najera - CSFM

Upgrade UL 300 Systems – Dan Najera reported that the Fire and Life Safety Advisory Board had reviewed the proposed 2003 Title 19 Rule-making Package, requiring all hood and duct systems to the UL 300 standard by Jan. 1, 2006. The Advisory Board is recommending that current non-UL 300 compliant systems should be allowed to remain as long as they are using animal lard as a cooking media and not vegetable oil.

The consensus of committee members was that this recommendation was not enforceable and would only serve to confuse field inspectors. Dan Najera explained the Advisory Board only makes a recommendation and that public input would be sought by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Members should write or e-mail Rodney Slaughter with their concerns.

Rodney Slaughter

Code Development and Analysis Division

Sacramento Office

P.O. Box 944246

Sacramento, CA 94244

Fax: (916) 445-8459

E-mail: rodney.slaughter@fire.ca.gov

Draft Resolution: Sam Husoe reported that both the NorCal and SoCal Executive Boards have passed the draft resolution and that it has been forwarded to Cal Chiefs for their approval.

FEMA Sprinkler Initiative – Dave Dewey again asked for comments on the proposed use of partial sprinkler systems in high-hazard areas for retrofit applications in residential construction. He wanted to know if the committee would entertain drafting a letter in support of the concept.

There was some discussion that should such an installation be allowed, and a fire occurs in the unsprinklered portion, the media might report that the sprinkler system failed. Dave Dewey responded that in Daly City almost 70% of residential fires occur in the kitchen. The installation of a single sprinkler in the kitchen could be a cost effective way of dealing with this very real fire problem.

Sam Husoe mentioned that a jurisdiction could use the "practical difficulties" section of the CFC (103.1.3) to allow such a partial system. Steve Hart stated California had already set a precedent for using partial sprinkler systems, such as the Dorothy Mae Ordinance. Sam suggested the committee hold off until the Sprinkler Incentive Act is passed.

Smoke Detector Alarm Verification – There was discussion on the efficacy of using alarm verification for smoke detectors that had a history of false alarms. The consensus was that alarm verification was useful in specific applications, but should not be used in lieu of proper smoke detector spacing, or using them in the wrong application.

Elevator machine room detectors – There was discussion regarding a project during which a DOSH elevator inspector requested that the equipment room heat detector be changed from a 135 degree fixed temperature unit to a 155 degree rate of rise unit. In order to ensure that the heat detector operates before a sprinkler head, the heat detector should preferably be a rate of rise type. It would seem that a 135 degree fixed temperature would be preferred over 155. We will attempt to find out DOSH’s position before the next FPO meeting.

CAFAA Meeting The next CAFAA meeting is Thursday, December 4, 2003, at the Park Plaza Oakland Airport – 9:30 A.M. AHJs are welcome to attend the meeting. Refer to cafaa.com for additional information.

 Respectfully submitted,

George Blind / Dave Dewey Co-chairs