You may select the number of the title of an article that interests you, or you may scroll down:
1. Agreement is reached on combining use of ICC and NFPA model codes;
2. Fireworks statistics are painful;
3. New plumbing plan reviewer;
4. New building plan reviewer;
5. Anyone planning to write the Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber-Restricted Service, or Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Service examination, take note;
6. For fire sprinkler design, an important question is, "What is the definition of a 'noncombustible full height shower/bathtub enclosure?'"
7. S&B team works on smoothing transition to model codes;
8. Employment Opportunity: Environmental Health Specialist - Advanced, Industrial Hygienist, Waukesha;
9. City of Madison continuing education advertisement;
10. Employment Opportunities: Boiler Safety Inspector 3 - Waukesha area and Madison area (2 positions) and Mine Safety Inspector 3 - Madison;
11. Municipal monitoring program in gear, moving forward;
12. McFarland and Madison are agents for fire protection plan review;
13. Agent Municipalities
1. Agreement is reached on combining use of ICC and NFPA model codes
John Lippitt, Fire Safety Prog. Mngr. Two major Safety and Buildings advisory code councils and the management of the Department of Commerce have given support to a model code adoption proposal that may go to legislative committee review in June for regulation of commercial buildings in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Fire and EMS Legislative Leadership Coalition has also announced support of the proposal. Known as "Option C," the proposal includes adopting four International Code Council model codes, the International Building Code (IBC), the International Energy Conservation Code, the International Mechanical Code, and the International Fuel Gas Code, all with Wisconsin amendments. (These amended versions of the model codes are relatively the same as presented in the January 2001 hearings on model code adoption for Wisconsin.) The important change from the earlier proposals is adoption of an amended version of NFPA 1 (National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Code) as the base document for Wisconsin's Comm 14, Fire Prevention Code. The amended NFPA 1 would be adopted instead of the ICC International Fire Code. To avoid conflicting provisions between the ICC codes and the NFPA fire codes, under the proposal now supported by the groups mentioned, the NFPA 1 fire code would not apply to existing or new building construction, but rather would apply to fire safety in terms of use and operation of buildings. The NFPA use and operation regulations would apply to new and existing buildings, while IBC provisions would govern construction aspects of fire safety. During the January hearings, and at other times, Wisconsin fire service representatives opposed adoption of the International Fire Code and other ICC model codes in favor of the NFPA fire code and a NFPA building code suite that is being developed. S&B identified five options in response to fire service comments and input from other interested parties, including state legislators. Those options were:
(A) Adopt the IBC and the three corresponding construction codes from the ICC, in combination with revisions to Wisconsin's current fire code, and perform a comparison between the IFC and the NFPA fire code;
(B) Adopt the four construction-related ICC codes and the IFC;
(C) Adopt the four construction-related ICC codes, and NFPA's fire code and Life Safety Code, and perform a comparison between the ICC suite of codes and the NFPA suite of codes, when that NFPA suite became available;
(D) Delay adoption of national model construction codes until after completing a comparison between the ICC and NFPA suites of codes; and
(E) Discontinue efforts toward adopting national model construction codes and instead continue to produce state-written construction codes. In April, the S&B advisory Fire Code Council recommended adoption of the four ICC codes, NFPA 1, and NFPA 101, NFPA's Life Safety Code. The Safety and Buildings Division has not supported retroactive application of NFPA construction-related rules, which would occur if NFPA 1 and 101 were adopted in their current versions. Discussion at the April 2001 Commercial Buildings Code Council led to the idea that Option C be reworked to provide for code provisions that would deal with the integration of ICC and NFPA codes. In response, S&B staff created a detailed list of provisions that would need to be in place to make feasible the desired "cooperation" of the ICC and NFPA codes. Subsequently, the Wisconsin Fire and EMS Legislative Leadership Coalition said it supported the reworked Option C. S&B staff presented the situation to the Commercial Building Code Council and Multifamily Dwelling Code Council; both recommended adoption of Option C. Some details of the proposal:
The requirements of NFPA 1, the NFPA Fire prevention Code - 2000 edition, would be adopted and establish minimum standards for any process, operation, or use, and the maintenance of fire safety features in public buildings and places of employment. Included would be the references to NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, for the operation, use, and maintenance only. The design and construction requirements specified in the NFPA 1 would not be included as part of the code adoption. Under Option C, NFPA 1 will serve as the base document for the Wisconsin Fire Prevention Code., as described above. Some portions of NFPA 1 would not be adopted, because other Commerce codes currently address the same topics. These matters will be referred to the corresponding advisory code councils. If time permits, the S&B will attempt to have updates to those codes be effective on the planned implementation date of the five codes, July 1, 2002. There are provisions in the current Comm 14 which are different or missing from the NFPA 1 code. S&B intends to retain those Comm 14 provisions as amendments to the proposed Option C. The new Building Code, Comm 61 to 65 would govern the design and construction of public buildings and places of employment. The building code would adopt the IBC, IMC, IECC and the IFGC. For cities which want to adopt the IFC as their fire code, there would be provisions that local governments could petition the Department to substitute the IFC for the NFPA 1 within that municipality. As proposed under the public hearing draft (specifically, Comm 65.0400), NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, will continue to be used for the installation of gas piping. Copies of the latest proposal are available from Roberta Ward, rward@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-8741. You can also view the latest proposal and other code drafts on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-Commercial BuildingsModelCodeAdoption.html.
2. Fireworks statistics are painful
In 1999, an estimated 8,500 people in the U.S. suffered fireworks-related injuries severe enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms, relatively the same as in 1998, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The largest age groups "impacted" in 1999 were youths and young adults 5-24, with males having 3/4s of the injuries. (Among adults age 45-64, however, females accounted for roughly as many fireworks injuries as males.) The CPSC analysis says most of the injuries occurred in a month around the July 4 holiday, although there are identifiable local and ethnic holidays such as New Year or Mardi Gras that highlight fireworks use. Of the types of fireworks causing the injuries that were reported (most types were listed in the hospital reports as unknown or unclassified), illegal firecrackers, fireworks rockets, and sparklers stand out. The parts of bodies injured most were hands, eyes, or head and face. More than half of the injuries reported were burns, while contusions or lacerations accounted for a quarter of the numbers.
3. New plumbing plan reviewer
Chet Kintop is the new plumbing plan reviewer in the Safety and Buildings Division Waukesha office. A licensed Plumbing Designer, Kintop has extensive experience in this field. You may contact him by calling 262-548-8634, fax-262-548-8614 or email ckintop@commerce.state.wi.us. The position was previously occupied by Robert Samuels, who transferred to a S&B Plumbing Consultant position in southeast Wisconsin.
4. New building plan reviewer
Randy Mattison is now working in Hayward as a Safety and Buildings Division building plan reviewer. Mattison is a graduate of Bucknell University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Wisconsin, California, Arkansas, Missouri, and Georgia; and has many years of construction experience in Wisconsin. His position is part-time year-around. He will be working on Mondays, Tuesdays, and every other Wednesday. He may be reached at 715-634-8964, rmattison@commerce.state.wi.us. The S&B Hayward office number is 715-634-4870.
5. Anyone planning to write the Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber-Restricted Service, or Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Service examination, take note.
As of the June 2001 exam dates, the Comm 83 Plumbing Code changes that took effect July 1, 2000 will be part of the exams. Also tested in the exams will be working knowledge of the component manuals for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. These manuals will not be provided at the exam sites; it will be the responsibility of the examinees to bring such materials. Component manuals can be purchased from the state Document Sales, 800-362-7253, or are on the Safety and Buildings Division WebSite www.commerce.state.wi.us/sb, choose "Publications." Questions on this exams, including allowable materials, can be directed to the S&B credential staff, 608-261-8500, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us.
6. For fire sprinkler design, an important question is, "What is the definition of a 'noncombustible full height shower/bathtub enclosure?'"
by Bill Sullivan, S&B Fire Protection Consultant, 608-266-9643, wsullivan@commerce.state.wi.us NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems 1999 Edition, allows the omission of fire sprinklers in bathrooms located within dwelling units if the bathroom is 55 square feet or less. Per NFPA 13: 5-13.9.1, the area occupied by a noncombustible full height shower/bathtub enclosure may be deducted from the overall floor area of the bathroom to determine if the floor area exceeds 55 square feet. So, what is the definition of a "noncombustible full height shower/bathtub enclosure?" NFPA does not define noncombustible full height shower/bathtub enclosure. However, in NFPA 13: 1-4.2, they do define "noncombustible material." In part, that says, "Materials that meet ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 degrees C, shall be considered noncombustible." Therefore, the shower/bathtub unit must pass ASTM E 136 to be considered noncombustible. To prove this, the contractor/designer is responsible for providing significant documentation to the authority having jurisdiction. The Safety and Buildings Division has determined a shower/bathtub that is surrounded on three sides with noncombustible material from the floor to the ceiling is considered a noncombustible enclosure. A door would not be required on the front side of the shower/bathtub to meet the requirement of an enclosure. The enclosure is to be considered full height if noncombustible material is used from the floor up to the ceiling. If a shower/bathtub unit only goes to within six inches of the ceiling, the material used to complete a noncombustible enclosure from the top of the shower/bathtub unit up to the ceiling must be noncombustible material passing ASTM E 136. Note: All the walls and ceilings of the bathroom, including behind any fixtures, must be made of noncombustible or limited combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating in order for this section to be applicable.
7. S&B team works on smoothing transition to model codes
A Safety and Buildings Division team is working on smoothing the transition for building plan review under proposed new building codes in Wisconsin. The team plans to use the WBCR to provide continued information in advance of the possible effective date in mid-2002 of the proposed amended International Code Council (ICC) codes. What could a change to the ICC suite of codes mean for design and plan review? How are ICC terminology and philosophies the same and how are they different from current Wisconsin administrative codes? Is there new information that designers will need to consider and provide as part of the plan submittal package? What new or additional information will state and municipal officials need to be reviewing? "ICC Plan Review Implementation Pilot Team" members in the S&B Bureau of Integrated Services have been working for over a year to themselves learn the ICC suite of codes, and facilitate S&B staff plan review training. The team has been evaluating code trainers and software products, and continues to look at possible review submittal and processing procedure changes. Team members will prepare WBCR articles for designers or code officials to increase awareness of the proposed codes and to help make a smooth transition to the codes' implementation. In addition to monitoring the WBCR for these articles, designers and code officials should also consider ICC training opportunities available from professional or code organizations.
8. Employment Opportunity: Environmental Health Specialist - Advanced, Industrial Hygienist, Waukesha
Department of Commerce; Division of Safety and Buildings; Bureau of Field Operations. Salary: Starting salary between $37,124 per year and $46,980 per year plus excellent benefits, depending upon qualifications. This classification is included in the Professional Science bargaining unit. A six month probationary period is required. Job Duties: Conduct advanced technical inspections, investigations, and related consultations to determine compliance with the administrative codes (Comm 30, 32, and 35) dealing with biological, chemical, and other occupational safety and health-related hazards in the public workplace. Recommend methods of achieving code compliance; conduct related research; perform appropriate industrial hygiene protocols to identify, control, or eliminate occupational safety and health hazards; design and implement sampling strategies; develop and conduct educational programs. Well-Qualified applicants: Well-qualified applicants will have a four-year degree in Industrial / Occupational Health or related field or equivalency; certification as a professional Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent certification; knowledge of federal and state occupational health Standards (OSHA regulations), and industrial health / hygiene experience. Knowledge and Skills Required: Knowledge of federal and state occupational health standards (OSHA regulations), related engineering principles and concepts of mathematics and biological sciences; statistical data compilation techniques; sampling equipment; personal protective devices and equipment. Skill in performing occupational safety and health / industrial hygiene inspections. (Knowledge of Comm 30, 32, and 35 desired, but not required.) Application Information: Apply with the Application for State Employment form (DER-MRS-38), current resume, and cover letter describing your experience, credentials, and/or training as it relates to performing occupational safety and health / industrial hygiene inspections and determining compliance with OSHA regulations. Send application materials to Dale Bartz, Department of Commerce 201 West Washington Avenue, 6th Floor; PO Box 7970; Madison, WI 53707-7970. Fax 608-266-0182, email dbartz@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-0366. To be considered for the first review of applications, the materials must be received by June 15, 2001.
9. City of Madison continuing education advertisement
deleted
10. Employment Opportunities: Boiler Safety Inspector 3 - Waukesha area and Madison area (2 positions) and Mine Safety Inspector 3 - Madison
Boiler Safety Inspector: Department of Commerce, Safety and Buildings Division, Bureau of Field Operations. Salary: Start at $34,207 per year plus excellent benefits. This position is included in the Security and Public Safety bargaining unit. A six-month probationary period is required. Job Duties: Perform inspections of boilers, pressure vessels, power piping, refrigeration systems, petroleum storage systems (LPG, CNG, LNG) to assure compliance with the Wisconsin Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; determine safe working pressure of boilers and pressure vessels; enforce code rules and orders such as changes and repairs that will place vessels in safe working condition; provide inspection service at plant locations during the construction of boilers and pressure vessels. Well-Qualified Applicants: Well-qualified applicants will have experience installing, constructing, or maintaining power boiler systems, operating electrical generation, central heating or power station boilers in an industrial or manufacturing complex; performing welded repairs of boilers. The person hired must be certified by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessels. Knowledge and Skills Required: Boilermaker and repairing techniques; boiler operations; provisions of the Wisconsin Boiler and Pressure Code; American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code, addenda, and related cases; steam power plant operations. Special Requirement: Candidates must have passed the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors examination and must have obtained a commission. Additional endorsements A and B are also highly desired. Extensive travel is involved and a valid Wisconsin driver's license is required. Vehicle is provided. This position requires the ability to bend, stoop, twist and climb to perform inspections. Application Information: Apply with the Application for State Employment form (DER-MRS-38), current resume, and a description of your qualifications and experience in the following areas as they relate to boilers and related equipment: 1) installation or construction; 2) operation; 3) welding repair or replacement of pipe components; 4) maintenance and inspection; 5) Credentials. Indicate the length of time you performed these functions. Send application materials to: Dale Bartz; Bureau of Human Resources; 201 West Washington Avenue, 6th Floor; PO Box 7970; Madison, WI 53707-7970. Fax 608-266-0182, email: dbartz@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-0366. Deadline Date: Application materials will be accepted until the needs of the Department are met. To be included in the first review, materials must be received by June 15, 2001. Mine Safety Inspector 3 - Madison: Department of Commerce, Safety and Buildings Division, Bureau of Field Operations. Salary: Start at $31,608 per year plus excellent benefits. A six-month probationary period is required. This classification is included in the Security and Public Safety bargaining unit. Job Duties: Consult with mine, pit, and quarry operators in the state to assist in carrying out their mine safety and health programs and perform onsite inspections to assure compliance with Comm 7 and 8, Wis. Adm. Code, and federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations. Develop and present mine safety training courses including a variety of mine safety-related subjects. Prepare and revise annual federal mine safety training grants and associated reporting. Well-Qualified Applicants: Well-qualified applicants will have experience developing and presenting training programs in the field of mine safety; will have knowledge of MSHA regulations; and will be certified as a safety instructor by the Mine Safety and Health Administration or eligible to become certified within six months of the employment date. Knowledge and Skills Required: Principles of surface metallic and non-metallic mining; mine safety and health techniques and procedures, related training procedures and curriculum development; federal Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) regulations; emergency first-aid procedures; public-speaking and training techniques; and written and oral communication techniques. Application Information: Apply with the Application for State Employment form (DER-MRS-38), current resume, and cover letter clearly describing your qualifications for this position, including specific information regarding: 1. Relevant education and credentials; 2. Experience developing and presenting mine safety training programs. Send application materials to Dale Bartz; Department of Commerce; Bureau of Human Resources; 201 West Washington Avenue, 6th Floor; PO Box 7970; Madison, WI 53707-7970. Fax 608-266-0182, email: dbartz@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-0366. Deadline Date: Application materials will be accepted until the needs of the Department are met. To be included in the first review, materials must be received by June 15, 2001.
11. Municipal monitoring program in gear, moving forward
by Henry Kosarzycki, S&B Agent Monitor, 262-548-8615, hkosarzycki@commerce.state.wi.us I feel the first series of audits conducted with a variety of delegated municipalities has been successful. Delegated municipalities with responsibility to perform plan reviews on behalf of the Department of Commerce are audited against the minimum standards established and practiced by the the Safety and Buildings Division. Monitoring included initial audits, as well as follow-up visits with municipalities where initial audits resulted in process changes. Municipalities audited varied in size as well as delegation. I think the monitoring visits have been welcome by the delegated municipalities as an opportunity to address specific issues they have, as well as an opportunity for them to review their own processes. Individual attention given to agents, along with documentation of their procedures, gives all of the delegated municipalities a common contact to address concerns - me. An example of this is my perspective on software trends, both tracking and permitting, and on other enforcement and ordinance tools. I'll have an article for next month's WBCR on some software trends. Common problems found during audit visits include review checklists not being used and review letters not being used regularly or attached to plans. Happily, monitoring visits also revealed procedures exceeding minimum standards, procedures that can be shared with other municipalities experiencing similar situations. As I wrote, asking the each municipality to evaluate and address their own processes as a part of the audits has resulted in opportunity to take a fresh look at their circumstances. Along with the evaluations, the new rules effecting delegation of authority, adopted in the Fall of 2000, have also given municipalities a chance to make adjustments to their delegation. Prior to the rule changes, plan review delegation followed the rules of "certified" or not; now agents can expand or reduce delegation based on their ability or their current municipal government priorities. A number of municipalities are currently considering expanding their delegation to provide more services to submitters. Other, smaller, departments are considering reducing their plan review services to alteration only, relying on the S&B for new construction and additions.
12. McFarland and Madison are agents for fire protection plan review
The Village of McFarland and the City of Madison have been delegated authority to conduct fire protection system plan review and inspection on behalf of the Safety and Buildings Division. The delegations are the first to take place following the March 1, 2001 code change implementing statewide fire protection system plan review service. The two municipalities will review construction documents for fire alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems, and alternate fire extinguishing systems. Owners may choose to submit plans for projects within these municipalities to the municipality or to S&B. For information on fire protection system plan review, contact S&B Fire Protection Systems Consultants Keith Glaunert, kglaunert@commerce.state.wi.us, 262-548-8604, or Bill Sullivan, wsullivan@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-9643. For information on agent plan review authority, contact Henry Kosarzycki, S&B Agent Audit Coordinator, 262-548-8615, hkosarzycki@commerce.state.wi.us. 13. Agent Municipalities