No. 29981: R710-1. Concerns Servicing Portable Fire Extinguishers

DAR File No.: 29981
Filed: 05/30/2007, 11:06
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:

Section 53-7-204 directs the Utah Fire Prevention Board to create administrative rules that establish minimum standards that regulate the sale and servicing of portable fire extinguishers in the interest of safeguarding lives and property.

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 R710-1 has been amended six times since the last five-year review in 2002. During those six substantive amendments, there were no written comments received supporting or opposing the proposed amendments. It has been the policy of the Utah Fire Prevention Board for many years that those that will be effected by the proposed rule change are notified early in the process, so they can participate at Board meeting discussions and any concerns can be aired and resolved before the formal filing of the proposed administrative rule.

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

There are approximately 100 portable fire extinguisher companies licensed in the State of Utah. Utah has adopted the National Fire Protection Association Standard 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, that requires that portable fire extinguishers be inspected and/or serviced yearly. Portable fire extinguishers are the very first line of defense to stop a fire in it's incipient stage when it can be controlled. It is imperative that the portable fire extinguisher work when needed. Our office oversees those companies and technicians that service and sell portable fire extinguishers. Each technician has to pass written and practical examinations and be certified by the State Fire Marshal before allowance is given to service portable fire extinguishers. It is imperative that professional standards and qualifications be maintained to ensure that portable fire extinguishers work when needed. Therefore, this rule should be continued.

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