Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a systematic inspection and testing program for fire life safety dampers and smoke control systems in buildings, improving fire safety measures and ensuring these systems function effectively to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Terms: The bill defines various key terms such as building types, fire life safety dampers, smoke control systems, and qualified inspectors.
• Inspection Program Requirement: Building owners must establish a program for regular inspection and testing of fire life safety dampers and smoke control systems.
• Testing Requirements:
  • Fire life safety dampers must be tested and inspected initially before use, then periodically every four years, with hospitals requiring inspections every six years.
  • Smoke control systems must also undergo periodic inspections—semiannually for dedicated systems and annually for nondedicated systems.
• Inspector Qualifications: Inspections must be conducted by qualified inspectors, including authorized fire department personnel or licensed technicians with certification.
• Certification and Documentation: Inspection results must be documented with a certificate of operation, and any deficiencies must be reported and corrected within 30 days.
• Public Posting and Reporting: Buildings must display verification of inspection visibly to the public, and owners must submit compliance documentation to the state fire marshal.
• Penalties and Enforcement: Noncompliance incurs a $100 daily penalty, and enforcement is managed by the state fire marshal.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces mandatory periodic testing and inspection of fire life safety dampers and smoke control systems in certain buildings.
• Establishes qualifications for inspectors to ensure high safety standards.
• Imposes penalties for noncompliance and requires active enforcement by the state fire marshal.
• Authorizes the commissioner of public safety to adopt rules to further these provisions.

Relevant Terms

fire life safety dampers, smoke control systems, inspection, testing, fire safety, building owners, qualified inspector, state fire marshal, compliance, NFPA standards, certification, penalties, rulemaking, HVAC, public safety.