Archive of "What's Happening at S&B" reports

You can receive notices of when the Safety and Buildings monthly division-wide news reports are online by signing up for the "News Reports from S&B" email group (you can also sign up for other email groups).

Some links in these archives may be broken due to old documents having been taken off the WebSite.

- Following the retirement of Plumbing Consultant Jim Zickert, the consultants' districts map has been changed (printable PDF file)

- 16-week Commercial Building Inspection course offered by S&B, Jan - April 2009 in Marathon County, PDF file 

- Public meetings in December about coming Wisconsin major electrical licensing and inspection changes, PDF file.  More explanation. 

- The agenda for the October 7, 2009, Erosion and Stormwater Advisory Code Council and the previous meeting summary 

- Grant Worksheets (SBD-9167) updated in packet of Wisconsin Fund forms, October 1, 2008

- Elevator Inspectors districts map, PDF file, updated

-  The City of Cumberland now has a special delegation related to commercial buildings plan review and inspection.  See PDF letter.

- Rental Weatherization Building Performance Worksheet updated

- Comm 2, Fee Code, change proposals were sent for legislative review on July 25, 2008, relating to overall Safety and Buildings Division fees.  A Germane modification, i.e. a change in the draft proposal, was sent to the legislature on September 18.  The modification reduced by half the proposed increase in plan review fees for public swimming pools.  See code development info.

- Prevent Homes Fires - Fire Prevention Week in Wisconsin, Oct. 5 - 11, 2008 

- For questions concerning commercial building accessibility, contact Commercial Building Plan Reviewer Dave Fliess, 262-521-5063, david.fliess@wi.gov

- After review by the legislature, Comm 41, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code, and Comm 45, Mechanical Refrigeration Code, changes were adopted by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce on September 12, 2008, and are expected to be effective December 1, 2008.

- Updated plumbing installation license brochure "It's the Law," PDF file  

- The Town of Buchanon in Outagamie County is now a delegated agent for enforcing erosion control, sediment control, and storm water management for commercial buildings.

- PB Heat gas boilers recalled due to carbon monoxide hazard (CPSC) 

- The Town of Farmington in Washington County is no longer a delegated agent for commercial buildings plan review and inspection.

>- Now online: Inspection checklists for boilers and pressure vessels, refrigeration, and gas systems

- Three-day elevator construction symposium in Waukesha Oct. 28-30, 2008, PDF brochure.

- Changes on horizon for POWTS in Wisconsin: Clarification of conflict of interest; Plan review of small holding tanks; Comm 83, Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Code, revised; Possible Fee Code and Plumbing Code updates.  See POWTS Program page.

- A public hearing will be October 14, 2008, to consider making permanent the emergency rules issued in September related to installation of carbon monoxide alarms in some commercial buildings and in tourist sleeping rooms under the Uniform Dwelling Code.

- Public swimming pool and water attraction inspection services.  S&B is requesting proposals from people to provide public swimming pool and water attraction inspection services.  If interested, contact Noreen Ray, S&B Contract Specialist, noreen.ray@wi.gov, 608-267-7201.

- Emergency rules, PDF file, issued September 3, 2008, related to installation of carbon monoxide alarms in some commercial buildings and to alarms in tourist sleeping rooms under the UDC.  Brief description.

- List of S&B contacts, PDF file, regarding getting an education course approved

- Jim Smith, Commercial Buildings Program Manager, presented a 2008 Code Update, PDF file, in August 2008 to an audience in Madison

- Proposed code changes to Comm 20-25, Uniform Dwelling Code, one- and two-family dwellings, were sent to the legislature for committee review on August 27, 2008.

- Updated SBD-9656E Gas Systems Certificate of Installation (R8/08) PDF file, Word file

- Proposed changes to the Plumbing Code, Comm 81 - 87, were sent August 22, 2008, to the legislature for committee review.

- Proposed changes to Comm 16, Electrical Code, were sent August 22, 2008, to the legislature for committee review.

- POWTS plan review agent list is updated to reflect added authority for Marquette County (Plan review for at-grade systems with a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less;  Plan review for mound systems with a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less.)

- Butt Splice electrical wire connectors recalled by Gardner Bender due to possible malfunction (CPSC)

- Code change proposals for a general update of Comm 90, Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions rules, were sent for legislative review on August 18, 2008.

- S&B 2008-09 Fall and Winter Plumbing and POWTS Education.

- Method for Predicting the Efficiency of Proprietary Storm Water Sedimentation Devices, PDF file .

- International Code Council to hold final action hearings on 2009 code .

- Updated SBD-118 Buildings, HVAC, Fire Protection, and Components Application for Review to correct an instruction; the information gathered remains the same.

- Updated SBD-6314 Boiler and Unfired Pressure Vessel Registration, adding several notes.

-Zach Brandon, the new Department of Commerce Executive Assistant (number 3 in department heirarchy) met with S&B staff

- Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems rules were adopted August 4, 2008, with germane modifications of the legislative review package.  The rules are will be effective following publication; because of uncertainty about the publication date, that may be either October 1, or November 1, 2008.  See adopted package.

- Proposed changes to Comm 2, Fee Code, Comm 5, Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Code, and Comm 34, Amusement Ride Code, were sent on August 7, 2008, to the state legislature for commitee review.

- SBD-5204 Power Piping/Welded Refrigeration Piping Installation Registration form revised (R08/08) PDF file, Word 97 file

- Commercial Building Code information in question / answer format has been updated to reflect the March 1, 2008 code changes.

- Wastewater Specialists districts map changed slightly; Al Wendorf is now the S&B specialist for Dodge County.

- S&B Amusement Ride Inspector Terry Clark is featured in video clip of ride safety at the Wisconsin State Fair, from Fox Channel 6, Milwaukee

- Fire protection symposium! Instructors from around the country will share their knowledge and experience about the installation of fire sprinkler systems.  September 30, 2008, Waukesha, Wisconsin.   See PDF brochure

- Explanation of 2007 Wisconsin legislation making changes in electrical licensing and inspection

- Agenda for the August 6, 2008, Comm 14 Fire Prevention Advisory Code Council, and the previous meeting's summary

- S&B plan reviewer Randy Dahmen was a finalist for a national energy award

- Memo on liquified petroleum gas notification and licensing changes, July 2008, PDF file

- The agenda for the August 5, 2008, Erosion and Stormwater Code Council meeting and the previous meeting's summary

- S&B is accepting applications for grants for construction career academies

 Code, and Comm 5, Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Code: Code change proposals were sent for legislative review on July 25, 2008, relating to overall Safety and Buildings Division fees.

- Code change proposals related to a general update of Comm 18, Conveyance Safety Code, were sent for legislative review on  Friday, July 25, 2008.

- Proposed changes to Comm 41, Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, and Comm 45, Mechanical Refrigeration Code, were sent for legislative review on Friday, July 25, 2008.

- The Town of Harrison, Calumet County, is now a commercial buildings delegated municipality for soil erosion control, sediment control, and post-construction storm water management.  

- Method for Predicting the Efficiency of Proprietary Storm Water Sedimentation Devices, PDF file

- Amusement Ride Code Advisory Council May 6, 2008, meeting summary

- The Erosion Control and Post Construction Stormwater Management checklist, a tool to help develop a code-compliant plan prior to submitting a Notice of Intent, PDF file

-There was a meeting of the Comm 14, Fire Prevention Code, Council on Wednesday, August 6, 9 a.m. in rm 3B of the Thompson Building, 201 West Washington Ave., Madison, Wisconsin.

- The City of Milwaukee is recruiting for a Commissioner of Building Inspection, PDF brochure

- Dwelling Contractor Certifications listed (sorted by city) PDF, Excel Updated 06/06/08

- Guidelines for Handling Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment, from the National Electrical Manufacturers Assoc, PDF file

- Wisconsin Building Safety Network meeting promotes state - local regulatory partnerships

- Information on private onsite wastewater treatment systems and flooding, PDF file

- Need to have your well water tested?  Flooding could lead to contamination. More

- The City of Whitewater (Walworth County) has changed their previous commercial building delegated authority "Inspections Only" to a delegation status for "Regulating Soil Erosion and Stormwater Only."

- Safety and Buildings Division credential exams will also be on Saturdays 

- Violations of Wisconsin plumbing license law can cost money, More

- Commercial buildings Q&A added, IBC 706.3.8, also related to errata in ICC codes

- Mike Kollver is a new Mine Safety Specialist

- Lori Ann Curley is a new Communications Specialist

- Updated Wisconsin fire department contacts information

- Rock County has delegated authority to do soil erosion control and stormwater inspections, except for municipalities noted.

-  A public hearing will be July 8, 2008, in Madison on proposed changes to Comm 90 Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions Code.

- A public hearing on a general update of Comm 81 - 87 Plumbing Code, will be July 8, 2008.

- A public hearing on proposed changes to Comm 34, Amusement Ride Code, will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2008, in room 3B of the Thompson Building, 201 W Washington Ave in Madison, Wisconsin.

- The first meeting of the Erosion and Stormwater Code Council was June 3, 2008. Agenda.

- "Square D" circuit breakers recalled by Specialty Lamp Intl. as counterfeit and fire hazard (CPSC)

- The list of municipalities with commercial buildings delegated authority now has a link to PDF printable version of the same information.

- Comm 4 code proposals relating to administrative rules for submittal and approval of grants for construction career academies were adopted May 16, 2008.

- Char Martin, S&B commercial buildings inspector, was one of the nominees for the 2008 Virginia Hart Award

- Message - Increase in pool and spa drownings, feds say 

- American Flame recalls AF-4000 fireplaces to replace gas valves (CPSC)

- Revamped listing of commercial buildings plan review and inspection delegated municipalities

- A public hearing was June 18, 2008 to obtain comment on general Comm 16, Electrical Code, change proposals.

- Message from CPSC: Some shoes more likely to pose risk when using escalators

- Latest list of Uniform Dwelling Code municipalities' enforcement status and UDC contacts

- A code change proposal related to licensing of conveyance / elevators contractors and installers was adopted on May 13, 2008 and is expected to be effective January 1, 2009.

- A public hearing was June 19, 2008, in Madison on proposed general changes to Comm 20 - 25, Uniform Dwelling Code.
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What's Happening at S&B - May 13, 2008

- Reflecting the hiring of Manuel Juarez, three S&B districts maps are updated:
     Public Sector Safety Consultants
     Amusement Ride / Ski Lift Inspectors 
     Fire Dept. Health and Safety Inspectors 

- Reflecting the retirement of Duane Steiner, the Wastewater Specialists map are updated

- A PowerPoint presentation about planning the fall 2008 Wisconsin Building Safety Network conference

- Updated list of transfer authorization agents, PDF file, for Rental Weatherization

- Comm 14, Fire Prevention Code Council agenda for Thursday, May 22, 2008, meeting

- Cheetah Snap Electrical Switches letter of approval, PDF file, April 25, 2008

- Commercial electrical Questions and Answers as presented by S&B at the 2008 Winter Code Updates, PDF file.

- POWTS Soil and Site Evaluation Manual, SBD-9046, R1/07, PDF file

- Commercial buildings Q&A on IBC 2603.4.1.5, 1508.1, 1505.1 and 1502.1, foam plastic insulation and roof assembly

- S&B's new Internet credential renewal payment system - EPay - debuts

- S&B produces new more-durable credential cards

- S&B teleconference with Wisconsin Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association report, April 14, 2008, PDF file

- The City of Seymour is no longer a delegated municipality for commercial buildings plan review and inspections

- Here is a link to a PDF file of Appendix A of the Commercial Building Code for erosion control and stormwater management standards

- New map of S&B commercial buildings inspectors districts

- There will be a public hearing on May 28 on proposed changes to Comm 2, Fee Code, and Comm 5, Licenses, Certifications and Registrations Code.  The hearing relating to fee increases will begin at 10 a.m. in room 3B of the Thompson Building at 201 West Washington Ave. in Madison.  See hearing announcement and draft code language.

- Changes to Comm 67, Rental Unit Energy Efficiency, are effective May 1, 2008.  See the S&B Rental Weatherization Program page.

- A Comm 18, Elevators / Conveyance Code, public hearing will be Thursday, May 15. 2008, in Madison. PDF files of the  public hearing announcement, and the hearing draft of the proposed rules are available for downloading.

- A Comm 41, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code, and Comm 45 Mechanical Refrigeration Code, public hearing will be Wednesday, May 21. 2008, in Madison. Announcement, PDF file.  Draft Code Proposals, PDF file.

- SBD-10687 Manufactured Home Title Application and Instructions (R4/08) updated

- SBD-7313-E Weatherization Field Inspection Report  updated

- SBD-11 Wisconsin School District Record of Fire / Tornado / Other Evacuation Drills (R04/01/08), PDF file

- SMARTcodes - Electronic design and  code checking plan review.  GO 

- Venmar heat recovery ventilators recalled for "safety upgrade" by Venmar Ventilation (CPSC)

- Smith or State gas water heaters recalled due to fire and carbon monoxide hazards (CPSC)

- Updated Mechanical Equipment Registration and Review Requirements, PDF file, 4/7/2008

- The Village of Williams Bay and the City of Whitewater inspections only) have commercial buildings delegated municipality authority

- District Inspector and Service Agent Electronic Interchange Transfer Guidelines updated, PDF file

- Letter to some Uniform Dwelling Code inspectors concerning the repeal of UDC superinsulation requirements, PDF file

- Updated SBD-8009 Fire Prevention Program Supplies Form (R03/08) PDF file

- Updated SBD-10689 Commercial Buildings Registration in Lieu of Plan Review (R3/08), PDF file

- Updated Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors' districts map (change in the mailing address of contractor Damarc Inspections)

- Village of Germantown has a commercial buildings special delegation to review , and to do inspections only of all size buildings in lieu of the Department of Commerce.

What's Happening at S&B - March 18, 2008

- The Wisconsin statutory mandate for superinsulation of one and two-family dwellings heated by electricity was rescinded by recently-signed 2007 Act 67, which will be effective at the end of March. The act says: "The department may not promulgate or enforce a rule that requires that any one-family or two-family dwelling that uses electricity for space heating be superinsulated." S&B will be developing rules in the future to remove the current regulations, which are not now enforceable. See PDF file of Act 67.

- Revised SBD-211 Amusement Ride / Ropeway Injury Report (R03/08)

- Jerry Thompson is now an S&B Plumbing Products Reviewer in Madison

- Updated list of S&B staff, with link on page to printable PDF

- Code development materials were sent last week to the state legislature for review:

1. Comm 4, Grants for Construction Career Academies: Review Materials, Public Hearing Comments, Legislative Council Comments, and Proposed Rules Draft.

2. Comm 5 and Comm 18, Elevators Code: Review Materials, Public Hearing Comments, and Proposed Rules Draft.

3. Comm 81-87, Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: Review Materials, Legislative Council Comments, and Proposed Rules Draft.

- Statement of Scope issued last week to evaluate and update Comm 14, Fire Prevention Code; Comm 60-66, Commercial Building Code; Comm 40, Gas Systems Code; Comm 43, Anhydrous Ammonia Code; and Comm 45, Mechanical Refrigeration Code.

- S&B POWTS program, particularly Roman Kaminski, praised by federal Environmental Protection Agency for adopting guidelines, PDF file.

- POWTS Maintainer Initial Qualifying Course or 7 credit hours continuing education for JP, JPRS, MP, MPRS, PM, PI; UW Arlington Research Station, April 29, 2008, organized by Safety and Buildings; classroom instruction and field visits of pretreatment and treatment systems, evaluation and maintenance of systems; see PDF brochure.

- Describing Soil Profiles and Recording Soil Data; Tomahawk, April 29, 2008; Verona, May 8; West Bend, May 22; Plattevile, May 29; Spooner, September 18; Marinette, October 10; organized by Safety and Buildings; classroom instruction and field visits of pretreatment and treatment systems, evaluation and maintenance of systems; see PDF brochure.

- Special note to people interested in purchasing the 2006 additions of the International Code Council codes. Membership in the ICC brings you savings in purchasing ICC codes adopted in Wisconsin (not all ICC codes have been adopted). Even considering the cost of the membership, of which there are various levels, you may come out ahead becoming a member and getting codes at a discount! See ICC Web site, http://www.iccsafe.org/e/newmember.html. Click on the member-type name to see the benefits.

- Revised SBD-11 Fire Drills Report Form (R03/08) 

 - New SBD-11B Tornado Drills Report Form (N03/08)

- Cynthia Johnson is a new S&B staff person in Credentialing / Manufactured Homes

- Fire protection systems are not mandated in all new aircraft hangars in Wisconsin, PDF file

- Rinnai Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces recalled due to carbon monoxide hazard (CPSC)

- Strike Force Portable Air Compressors From Advance Auto Parts Recalled For Fire and Electrical Hazards (CPSC)

- SBD-118 Buildings, HVAC, Fire Protection, and Components Application for Review (R03/08) updated

- LDR 1200 Series Gas Connectors recalled due to fire and explosion hazards (CPSC)

- Governor signs electrician licensing bill

- The meeting summary for the February 4 Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Advisory Council

- The meeting summary for the February 13 Commercial Buildings Code Council and Multifamily Dwelling Code Council joint meeting

- The meeting summary for the February 14 Conveyance Safety Code Council

- Fourth Annual Wisconsin Boiler and Pressure Vessel Industry Days, Tuesday, April 29, 2008, and Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Marshfield, Wisconsin . Two days of training and information seminars for boiler inspectors, maintainers, repairers, and operators, for refrigeration professionals, and for power plant engineers. PDF file brochure.

- New electronic Comm 60-66, Commercial Building Code, files are online, as are links to copies of the old Comm 60-65. Note that one new insert page is available for people who downloaded the model code insert pages before Feb. 20.

- Soil Erosion Inspector Initial Training Course April 10 in Baldwin

- The Town of Blue Mounds, Village of Blanchardville, and City of Wisconsin Rapids have delegated municipality authority for commercial buildings plan review and inspection

- From Terry Nolen, Fire Coordinator: "The New Comm 14, Fire Prevention Code, Effective 3/1/2008," PowerPoint Presentation as a PDF file; Cross Reference Table, PDF file, Wisconsin Modifications to NFPA 1, PDF file

- Revised Public Sector Employee Safety Consultants districts map and Amusement Ride / Ski Lift Inspectors districts map

- UDC statistics for January 2008

- The meeting summary for the February 12 Electrical Code Advisory Council meeting

- The Town of Ellsworth (Pierce County) now has delegated municipality authority for commercial buildings inspections (only)

-Two new S&B staff members: Paula Jacobs, Customer Service Rep, Madison, and April Hammond, Occupational Safety, Amusement Rides, Ski Lift inspector, Cottage Grove

- An International Building Code insert page for the March 1, 2008, changes to the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code has been corrected.

- Cynthia Sauer is a new plan entry person in the Waukesha office. Her phone number is 262-548-8605.

- Building Products Evaluation Form SBD-8028 updated
        

              What's Happening at S&B - February 15, 2008
- There will be a POWTS Advisory Code Council meeting on Feb. 27.

- Renewal letters for credential renewals around March 31 should be mailed at the end of this week or early next week.

- Fire Dues self-certification letters are expected to be mailed to the municipal clerks within the next two weeks.

- Read this special note if you downloaded the March 1, 2008, commercial buildings insert pages today or before today.

- There was a joint meeting between the Multifamily Code Council and the Commercial Building Code Council on February 13. Agenda.

- Update of mechanical refrigeration memo: "All mechanical refrigeration safety relief valve piping shall be of non-combustible material and shall be compatible with the refrigerant used." PDF file.

- The Feb. 6, 2008, meetings of the S&B Plumbing Advisory Code Council and Conveyance System Code Council (formerly Elevator Systems) were canceled due to weather. The Conveyance Council meeting was rescheduled to Feb. 14. Agenda.

- The Village of La Pointe in Ashland County, The Village of Elm Grove in Waukesha County, and the Town of Gibraltar in Door County have new or increased authority as delegated municipalities for commercial buildings plan review and inspection. Three municipalities have discontinued their delegations: Village of Argyle, LaFayette County; Village of Blanchardville, LaFayette County; and the Village of Hollandale, Iowa County.

- Information on the March 1, 2008, commercial buildings and fire prevention code changes.

- December 2007 UDC permit statistics

- Annual amusement ride registration packets have been sent to operators of fixed non-mechanical and coin operated rides that were registered in 2007. Mechanical/ movable ride registration packets will mailed in March. Letter sent, PDF file. Amusement ride forms are updated, and a new form created: Affidavit of Compliance, SBD-10867.

- S&B is soliciting comments through Feb. 15, 2008, (PDF file) on POWTS high-strength waste policy

- New members of the Uniform Dwelling Code Council are Brian Juarez, Fort Atkinson, Dennis Bauer, McFarland, and Robert Premo, Hartland.

- The March 1, 2008, changes to Comm 14, Fire Prevention Code, allow municipalities to adopt without a special order from S&B the requirements of the 2006 International Fire Code and any additional requirements equivalent to the new Comm 14. See PDF memo.

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  The Department of Commerce Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TTY 608-264-8777, or ttaylor@commerce.state.wi.us