No. 31088: R710-5. Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Inspecting and Testing

DAR File No.: 31088
Filed: 03/28/2008, 02:08
Received by: NL

NOTICE OF REVIEW AND STATEMENT OF CONTINUATION

Concise explanation of the particular statutory provisions under which the rule is enacted and how these provisions authorize or require the rule:

Subsection 53-7-225.5(2) directs the Utah Fire Prevention Board to make rules prescribing an application form and standards for certification qualification and for renewal and revocation for those that inspect and test automatic fire sprinkler systems.

Summary of written comments received during and since the last five-year review of the rule from interested persons supporting or opposing the rule:

Rule R710-5 has been amended five times in the last five years. It was enacted in 2002. There have been no written comments received in the last five-year period with regard to Rule R710-5. The Utah Fire Prevention Board has had a policy for many years that all that are affected receive sufficient notice before the board acts on any administrative rule enactment or amendment. All are encouraged to participate in the rule process thusly eliminating the majority of written comments to the board.

Reasoned justification for continuation of the rule, including reasons why the agency disagrees with comments in opposition to the rule, if any:

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are the automatic fire suppression systems in public and private schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, nursing homes, state owned facilities, businesses, etc. Almost always, the automatic fire sprinkler system enacts and controls the fire before the fire department ever arrives on scene. It is imperative that these systems work correctly due to their complicated functioning process, and this rule administers the requirements for the service technicians that inspect and test these systems. It is required that they be inspected, tested, and tagged on an annual basis. Over the last five years, a number of systems were found to be altered, shut off, partially shut off, major alterations in water, etc. that would not have been found without this program. Therefore, this rule should be continued with regard to the need for continued public safety.

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Public Safety
Fire Marshal
5272 S COLLEGE DR
MURRAY UT 84123-2611

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Brent Halladay at the above address, by phone at 801-284-6352, by FAX at 801-284-6351, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Authorized by:

Ron L. Morris, Utah State Fire Marshal