Committee members and guests met during the normal monthly Nor Cal Fire Prevention Officers Meeting at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel. Items discussed included:

1. A CUPA Conference will be held in San Francisco the week of February 7th at the Cathedral hill Hotel. Several Committee members stated that they already planned to attend the conference.

2. AB 1626, legislation written by Assemblywoman Carol Migden passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and is awaiting review by the Senate Appropriations Committee. This legislation specifically names the Uniform Fire Code, written by the Western Fire Chiefs as the Fire Code for the State of California.

It was unclear of this legislation meant only the 2000 version of the Fire Code, or beyond. Committee Co-Chair Ron Keefer will contact Ms. Migden’s Office for clarification.

3. The Western Fire Chiefs Association informed its membership by letter that it will be jointly working with NFPA on future Code Development. As explained in their letter, it appears that one of their main principals, fire service control of what gets written into the Code, may be lost. This information will also be discussed with Ms. Migden’s Office and other Committees directly involved in the Code Development process.

4. Jeff Tarter discussed a recent fire investigation he was involved with that involved a biotech firm. The fire involved a refrigeration unit where copper cooling coils detonated. Jeff explained that some of the experiments being conducted inside the unit contained Hydrazoic Acid. According to Committee Member Lew Schalit, Hydrazoic Acid is incompatible with heavy metals, including copper. Jeff said that the atmosphere inside the refrigeration unit tested positive for the presents of Hydrazoic Acid, but at dilute concentrations. The case will be going to trial.

5. ICC Code Development Hearings begin April 9, 2000 in Birmingham Alabama; The Challenge cycle will be split into 3 locations, ICBO will be meeting in San Francisco September 5 - 9.

The UFC Code Development process will begin this June in Palm Springs; Their Challenge cycle will be in October or November, the location is unknown.

6. After several years of serving the Hazardous Materials Committee, Co-Chair Gordon Simpkinson has decided to step down. His assistance in running the Committee and incite into the Code Development process will be missed. Good Luck to you Gordon, I hope your experience as a Co-Chiar will open doors for future career development.

Ronald Keefer

Hazardous Materials Committee Co-Chair