Safety and Buildings Division - Articles from the December 2002 Wisconsin Construction Codes Report Special continuing education with POWTS inspection especially in mind (link no longer valid) December S&B Plumbing and POWTS contining ed (Document link deleted) Choice of five different Plumbing & Powts continuing education courses in Jan-March (No longer is the link available) Cross Connection Control, January 28, 29 and 30, 2003 in Tomah You may choose the number of an article title that interests you,
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1. Think about what code applies when you consider physical alterations and changes of use in existing commercial buildings;
2. Fifty-two fire deaths in 1999 part of improving state and national trend;
3. Robert Samuels has retired;
4. Mark Stevenson, the Section Chief for the Commercial Building Inspectors on the east side of the state, retired;
5. Supreme Court refuses to continue Comm 83 argument;
6. Be on time with continuing education!;
7. The UW-Madison Small Scale Waste Management Project offers four half-day educational sessions for POWTS professionals in early 2003;
8. Map showing new plumbing consultants districts;
9. Don't forget testing requirements for water, drain, and vent lines;
10. Mid-States plumbing con ed;
11. Internet continuing education by Schmitt Safety;
12. email technical code questions;
13. You may check your credential status on the S&B WebSite;
14. Contact info for plan review submittals;
15. Delegated agents;
16. Codes online;
17. Credential questions;
18. List of S&B contacts;
19. WCCR;
20. You will find the 2003 S&B credential exam schedule on the Internet: http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialExams2003.html

1. Think about what code applies when you consider physical alterations and changes of use in existing commercial buildings
by James Quast, S&B Multifamily Buildings Program Manager, jquast@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-9292 Here are some points to keep in mind when dealing with alterations or changes in use within existing commercial buildings in Wisconsin. A building code requirement does not apply retroactively, unless specifically stated otherwise in a rule, or if implemented retroactively by local ordinance. The adoption of Comm 61-65 rules in Wisconsin in July 2002 did not change the status of any building that was previously code compliant. A code compliant unchanged commercial building constructed in 1990, for example, is still code compliant. To reword the point above, for emphasis: Existing buildings are to comply with code requirements based upon when the construction of the building occurred, or when the building's elements, systems and components have been modified. (It is helpful to review Comm 61.03.)

There have been numerous editions of the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code since 1914. Code revisions have been enacted in a piecemeal fashion and not always with the printing of a comprehensive new code edition. An existing building may have undergone any number of partial enhancements during its history. Also, since 1956, the format of administrative rules (codes) changed such that each requirement has its own effective date. When considering the code status of a particular building feature, care needs to be exercised as to exactly which building code requirements applied when that feature was created. Code requirements may have been adopted on one date, with a delayed effective date. The proposed alteration of a portion, element, system, or component of an existing building must conform with today's applicable code requirements for construction. The nature of the alteration will dictate the applicable code requirements. The application of today's code requirements for construction does not automatically extend to the entire building, even if an extensive part of the building is affected. A proposed alteration may impact or utilize "unaltered" portions of an existing building. If noncompliance exists under today's code for a proposed alteration because of its relationship with the unaltered area, it does not follow that the unaltered portion is what must be changed. Further changes to the altered portion, under today's code, may be chosen to address the question of noncompliance. The unaltered area is analyzed for compliance according to the code under which it was constructed. If the choice is made to create a design which makes the unaltered portion be not in compliance with the code it was built under, specific changes to that unaltered portion must comply with the construction provisions of today's Comm 61-65. A proposed change of use in an existing building, or a portion of it, must conform with the applicable current code requirements. The nature of the change of use will dictate the applicable requirements. The perspective concerning changed and unchanged uses of a building is the same as if we are thinking only of physical alterations. Decisions can be made to change use of areas so as not to affect other areas. If an area becomes noncompliant according to the code provisions it was constructed under, because of a proposed change of use, any alterations must follow provisions of today's Comm 61-65 for construction.

2. Fifty-two fire deaths in 1999 part of improving state and national trend
Wisconsin had 52 fire deaths in 1999, which is about 9.9 per million in population, ranking 31st lowest in the nation. The numbers follow an improving national trend over the last two decades, according to a report from the National Fire Protection Association titled "U.S. Fire Death Patterns by State." Wisconsin is reported to have had 88 deaths (18.7/1M) in 1980 and 76 (15.5/1M) in 1990. Nationally, the deaths per million in population went from 25.5 in 1980, to 16.8 in 1990, and 12.3 in 1999. The figures were compiled from death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics, which includes most, but not all certificates. NFPA noted the certificates may characterize a death involving fire as being because of a vehicle crash or arson, for example. Every state has fewer deaths listed in 1999 than in 1980, although the state totals vary greatly. The worst deaths per million in population in 1999 were Alabama, 29.5, and Tennessee, 28.8. The best were in New Hampshire and Hawaii, which had 1.7 deaths per million reported. Image alt text

3. Robert Samuels has retired from service with the Safety and Buildings Division, where he was first a plumbing plan reviewer and then a plumbing consultant is southeast Wisconsin. Samuels previously had his own plumbing contracting firm and had worked for a year as an inspector for the City of Waukesha. He continues to operate a computer software development and sales firm, Rslogical. 4. Mark Stevenson, the Section Chief for the Image alt text

Commercial Building Inspectors on the east side of the state, retired from state service earlier this year. He had been with the Safety and Buildings Division for the past 18 years and was a supervisor and section chief since 1986. Prior to state Service, Stevenson worked as an inspector for the City of Rice Lake for seven years and, before that, with the City of Green Bay for three years. He now does inspection work in the private sector.

5. Supreme Court refuses to continue Comm 83 argument
In September, the Wisconsin Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to Comm 83, the Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Code. In July 2000, changes to Comm 83 went into effect, with several municipal and environmental groups opposed, reportedly on the grounds the code was improperly created and would push new, negative rural development using POWTS. Such a tidal wave of development has not occurred. The Safety and Buildings Division rulemaking process had previously been upheld in circuit and appellate courts. 6. Be on time with continuing education
Licensees with expiration dates in early 2003 need to remember that their continuing education period ends three months before their card expires. To avoid additional processing fees for late continuing education, obligations for March 31, 2003 credential renewals should be completed before January 1, 2003. Be sure to plan ahead. For more information, contact the Safety and Buildings Division Credentialing Unit, 608-261-8500, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us. Stormwater manual that is part of upcoming S&B continuing education class will be on WebSite The Stormwater Manual S&B staff will be using for several of the upcoming plumbing continuing education classes will be on the S&B WebSite in mid-November. Anyone who wants to view the manual in advance of the class can find it linked from the S&B WebSite Library, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryIndex.html 7. The UW-Madison Small Scale Waste Management Project offers four half-day educational sessions for POWTS professionals in early 2003
1. "Evaluation of existing onsite systems" 2. "Design of distribution systems"
3. "Soil and site evaluation review and update" 4. "Pores, fluids and wastewater infiltration" Arlington, January 23 - Rice Lake, January 30 - Fond du Lac, February 6 - Tomahawk, February 18 SSWMP expects approval by the Safety and Buildings Division of three continuing education credit hours for each half-day session, for Powts Inspector, POWTS Maintainer, Soil Tester, and some plumber credentials. Brochures advertising the courses will be available in December. For more information, contact Jim Peterson, UW Environmental Resources Center, 1545 Observatory Drive, Madison, 53706; 608-262-3799; FAX 608 -262-2031; jopeters@facstaff.wisc.edu

8. Map showing new plumbing consultants districts 9. Don't forget testing requirements for water, drain, and vent lines
"... all new plumbing and all parts of existing systems which have been altered, extended or repaired shall be tested..." Comm 82.21(1)(b) (That means all plumbing systems except exterior storm; 82.21(1)(a)2.a.) Prior to the testing, the plumber must notify the local plumbing inspector that the system is ready. Once notified, the inspector has one workday for commercial buildings and two workdays for one- and two-family dwellings to make the inspection. If the inspector is unable to get to the site, the plumbing still must test the system. 10. Mid-States plumbing con ed
Mid-States Supply Annual Plumbing Training Sessions; Dec 26, 27 in Fond du Lac and December 30 in Stevens Point; Approved classes for all plumbing license categories; contact Pete Duesterbeck, 1-800-236-6700. 11. Internet continuing education by Schmitt Safety
No need to travel to attend con ed, giving up a day of work, or a valuable weekend. You can take Safety and Buildings Division- approved classes right from your home, at your convenience, on your computer. Schmitt Safety Consulting offers three 3-hour courses and one 4-hour class, which can be taken more than once if you are in need of the hours. Visit our web site, www.schmittsafety.com,
for all the details, or call 920-901-6000 for info. Classes Offered:
Confined Space Entry - 3 credit hrs;
Trenching/Excavation - 3 credit hrs;
Basic First Aid - 3 credit hours;
OSHA Basic - 4 credit hours

12. email technical code questions to:
- Commercial buildings, Comm 50-64, 66, 69 bldgtech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Fire protection systems fireprotech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Plumbing, cross connection plbgtech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Private onsite wastewater treatment powtstech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Public swimming pools pooltech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Building and plumbing products productech@commerce.state.wi.us
- Licenses, certifications, registrations madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us
- Manufactured/mobile homes manf-homes@commerce.state.wi.us
- One- and Two-family Dwelling Code udctech@commerce.state.wi.us 13. You may check your credential status on the S&B WebSite
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialStatusCheck.html 14. Contact info for plan review submittals § S&B WebSite: http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivScheduling.html
§ FAX: 24 hr. toll-free number for appointment scheduling, 877-840-9172
§ E-mail: madisonsch@commerce.state.wi.us For application forms: On the S&B WebSite:
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivForms.html
Or, call any of the offices. Info about next available review appointment:
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivDaily

15. Delegated agents
Some municipalities in Wisconsin have authority to do plan review, inspections, and otherwise carry out code-related functions as delegates of the Department of Commerce. For information and a list of current delegated municipalities, see the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CommercialBuildingsCertifiedMunicipalities.html. 16. Codes online
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivCodesListing2002.html.
Not all codes are available electronically. Paper copies may be purchased from Document Sales, 800-362-7253, for credit card purchases, or 608-266-3358. 17. Credential questions
If you have questions concerning the status of licenses, certifications, or registrations administered by the Safety and Buildings Division, information is on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialStatusCheck.html. You may also contact the Credentialing Unit, 608-261-8500, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us. 18. List of S&B Contacts 19. WCCR
The WCCR is a monthly publication of the Safety and Buildings Division, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, delivered to about 13,000 readers - people who hold S&B plumbing, POWTS, and fire sprinkler credentials, to local inspectors, and to fire departments. For a year's subscription, send $20 to S&B Material Orders, PO Box 2509, Madison, 53701. Be sure to provide return mail info and note what you are ordering. WCCR on the WebSite = http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications.html.

20. You will find the 2003 S&B credential exam schedule on the Internet: http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialExams2003.html