NorCal FPO Meeting

Hazardous Materials Committee

Co-Chairs: Kent Miller Stockton Fire Department

Paul Inouye Milpitas Fire Department

Attendees:

Paul Easter Modesto Fire Department

Steven Riggs San Rafael Fire Department

Ron Keefer Menlo Park Fire Department

Larry Monette Retired Fire Department

Tom Horton Metro Fire Department

Discussion:

1. Committee discussed the value of getting involved in developing a standard for Hydrogen Fuel Vehicle Fueling. A rough outline was written and it will be developed over the next year. Kent Miller is contacting State Fire Marshal Office to inform them of out goal and the possibility of working with other agencies that are presently involved with Hydrogen Fuel Systems for vehicles. A mid month meeting will be held on January 11, 2004. The first meeting is for discussion and development of Hydrogen Fuel System Standard, The meeting will be held at the conference room of the Milpitas Fire Department. Please contact Co-Chair Hazardous Material Committee Paul Inouye ( 408-586-3376) for directions.

2. Ron Keefer brought information concerning the NFPA 45 Committee. The change submitted to this committee related to a code change to do away with control areas after the 1st floor and take the cap away on the 7th floor. The submittal was challenged in the challenge cycle and the code submittal was defeated. The fire service must be continuously alert to code change submittals that will affect the fire service on a negative level. FPO’s are fortunate to a high caliber individual like Ron to keep a watchful on NFPA business, as it would relate to the fire service.

Chapter 34 of NFPA 5000 "High Hazard Content (Control Area)" a Code Change submittal to removal the table allowing higher amounts in high rise buildings was defeated in the challenge cycle.

3. The code changes for Ammonia Refrigeration Systems will be delayed to make room for Hydrogen fuel Systems. The committee will submit minor changes at a later date. Because of the push by the California Governor for Hydrogen Fuel Systems, we feel this item to be an important issue at this time. All those interested in getting involved with this task, please attend the meeting in Milpitas on January , 2004.

First Draft Outline:

I. General Section

II. Fixed Facilities

III. Portable Facilities

IV. Storage General

V. Storage Bulk

VI. Manufacturing Hydrogen

1. Commercial

2. Residential

VII. Retail/Wholesale facilities

This outline is only a beginning and will be tuned at the meeting in January.

Interested FPO members for Hydrogen Fuel Sub-Committee:

Paul Easter (Modesto Fire), Steven Riggs (San Rafael Fire), Ron Keefer (Menlo Park Fire), Larry Monette (Retired Fire), Tom Horton (Metro Fire), Paul Inouye (Milpitas Fire), Kent Miller (Stockton Fire).

Respectfully submitted,

Kent Miller

Co-Chair