Spring code education sessions around Wisconsin - Buildings, Plumbing, POWTS *Purchase your combination of Wisconsin Commercial Building Code and model codes. Order your two-volume set of Comm 61-65, Wisconsin's recently adopted new Commercial Building Code, with relevant provisions of the International Code Council model codes! Each two-volume set costs $200, including shipping and handling. The enrolled code has all the needed provisions of the International Building Code, International Energy Conservation, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code, without unneeded text not relevant to Wisconsin. For more information, contact Roberta Ward, rward@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-266-8741, or look online, www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CommercialBuildingsCodeAdoptionEnrolled. Choose the number of an article that you are interested in, or scroll down:
1. Plumbing requirements in new Wisconsin Food Code;
2. Certified Municipalities;
3. Hey, Building and Plumbing Plan Review Submitters - Help maintain the plan review scheduling system;
4. DNR offers "Tips for Building Inspectors to Avoid Well Problems;"
No #5.
6. Bit of history on several codes related to fire safety;
7. email technical questions to;
8. Plan submittal during transition to new July 1 Wisconsin CBC;
9. Send an email if you wish to be notified when the latest Wisconsin Construction Codes Report is available on the S&B WebSite;
10. How to Support Cast Iron Pipe;
11. The plumbing products register will be updated monthly on the Internet, be printed less often;
12. Fire Safety Section moves to Commerce ERS Division,Commercial Building Inspection and Uniform Dwelling Code/Manufactured Dwelling sections merge;
13. Safety and Buildings-related codes are on the Internet, www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-CodesListing2002.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.)
14. To schedule an appointment (commercial/multifamily buildings or plumbing;
15. For application forms;
16. Info about next available plan review appointment;
17. Credential Questions;
18. Questions about your continuing education credits?;
19. Plan Review Scheduling. 1. Plumbing requirements in new Wisconsin Food Code
The state Departments of Health and Family Services and Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection both in 2001 adopted a new Food Code, which now is a statewide uniform food code. The code was adopted as ATCP 75/ Appendix and HFS 196/ Appendix. These documents are available, listed under the two agencies, from the state Revisor of Statutes' website, http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/codtoc.html. Issues related to plumbing are mainly contained in Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 8, according to DHFS staff members Liz Temple and James Klapanek, who have prepared a lengthy record of sections for people in the plumbing industry. This listing of sections, and a more complete discussion of the subject, is now in the S&B "Library," www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Library Index. You can contact Temple or Klapanek in the Environmental Sanitation Section of DHFS, 608-266-2835, templea@dhfs.state.wi.us, klapajh@dhfs.state.wi.us.

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2. Certified Municipalities
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 more information and a list of current delegated municipalities, see the S&B WebSite, www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Commercial BuildingsCertifiedMunicipalities.
3. Hey, Building and Plumbing Plan Review Submitters - Help maintain the plan review scheduling system
by Randy Baldwin, Bureau of Integrated Services Director, 608-267-9152, rbaldwin@commerce.state.wi.us
With the current reduction in revenue and repeated budget cuts, I have been evaluating data on all our services. We acknowledge the plumbing and commercial building plan review scheduling service adds complexity and processing time for S&B staff. S&B supports the scheduling system because we know it is a valued service for many submitters. However, some submitters are bogging down the system and making it more costly for S&B to run. One problem is there not being enough information available at the time of the scheduling request, causing repeat contacts and call-backs to follow-up faxes requesting appointments. I suggest that a submitter completely fill out the application form prior to faxing in a request or before calling for an appointment. S&B has set some mandates on the Internet scheduling form fields, in effect forcing people to provide info or the submission request isn't allowed. But we can't police submitters getting all the info ready before faxing or calling. It's important that submitters be "good scouts." Be prepared! A more important scheduling system problem is wasted time when plan review appointments are missed. Please, submitters, help us get out of the waste of missed appointments. If for some reason you can not make the submittal deadline, give us a call so we can reorganize our work schedules. A timely cancellation allows an opening to be available for other customers in a time frame that they can meet. Why do you think medical practitioners make such an effort to manage appointments? Because missed appointments cost providers time and resources that are very valuable in serving the community. Please help us improve the scheduling system. S&B's resources are being reduced and we need to improve efficiencies in order to maintain quality service. S&B offers a plan review appointment system in which the customer can expect a known review date, allowing the designer to work on the project right up to having to deliver the plans two days before appointment deadline. I think this is better than the limbo of a no-scheduling system, with unpredictable waits in line of 5 to 10 days after receipt of plans, and S&B offices having widely variable work loads. Look at the count of missed plan review appointments in 2001. Please help us reduce these numbers! Commercial Buildings 373 total missed appointments with no advance notice
198 customers missed 1.
42 customers missed 2-3.
15 customers missed 4 or more (high 18). Plumbing 117 total missed appointments with no advance notice
72 customers missed 1
20 customers missed 2-3
2 customers missed 4 or more (high 6)

4. DNR offers "Tips for Building Inspectors to Avoid Well Problems"
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has some stories to tell about well problems. For one Milwaukee suburbanite, it was a complete surprise to learn that her well pump could not be replaced without removing a granite-topped vanity and cutting a hole in the new tile floor. Being out of water during Christmas was one thing, but she wondered who she could sue for her well ending up in a crawl space under the bathroom addition. Several months and $11,000 later, her new well was drilled at the expense of a negligent contractor. In a nearby neighborhood, after pouring the footing for an addition, a builder found his client's well in bushes just inches from the drain tile system. His site plan could have been changed to allow a variance, but a well variance now could not be issued in such a close case. A new well became part of the project. In the same Wisconsin village, an elderly gentleman preparing to move told his realty broker he had no idea where his well was. When exploring with a metal detector, they discovered a penciled arrow on a cathedral ceiling beam pointing down to what they found was the buried well. Below wall-to-wall carpet, the well was under an old patio slab. It had to be inspected and extended. The buyers were not thrilled to get a steel pedestal in the middle of the family room! Near West Bend, a fire department training exercise burned an old farmhouse set for demolition. Unfortunately hundreds of gallons of water hosed on the fire drained into the old basement well. Within days a half-dozen neighbors had smoke-flavored drinking water seasoned with coliform bacteria. Scores of similar cases each year result from ignorance or neglect regarding state rules governing wells, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In new development, wells are not drilled until after plan approval, when setbacks are a driller's responsibility. But serious problems can arise on projects with existing wells, such as additions or demolition sites. The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code requires all wells on a property to be indicated on the plot plan. Even if marked, setbacks and rules regarding wells are not specifically discussed in the UDC. The DNR regulates wells and looks to work with local inspectors and builders to avoid problems. A fact sheet entitled "Tips for Building Inspectors to Avoid Well Problems" is available on the S&B WebSite, www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryWellTips0328.

No #5.
6. Bit of history on several codes related to fire safety
Editor's note: In response to a request for information on the origin of fire codes in Wisconsin, Ron Acker, a Department of Commerce code developer, composed a bit of history about the origins of several of the fire safety codes now administered by the department. You may find the info interesting. Comm 14, Fire Prevention
The Wisconsin laws of 1917 transferred all fire prevention activities to the state Industrial Commission. The first "General Orders on Fire Prevention" issued by the Industrial Commission were effective February 10, 1918. These orders became Wisconsin Administrative Code chapter Ind 65 - Fire Prevention on January 2, 1956. The Industrial Commission became the cabinet level Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations in the late 70's, and Chapter Ind 65 was renumbered ILHR 14 on May 1, 1989. In 1996, the Safety and Buildings Division within the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, which then administered ILHR 14, combined with the Department of Development to become the Department of Commerce. ILHR 14 changed to Comm 14 on Jan.1, 1997. Comm 50-64, Building and Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning
The Wisconsin laws of 1913 directed the state Industrial Commission to develop reasonable standards, rules or regulations for the construction, repair and maintenance of places of employment and public buildings. The introduction to the first building code states that the need for such a code is indicated by the large loss of life through fire in different parts of the country, such as the Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago*, and the Triangle Waist Company fire in New York. The first Building Code was issued by the Industrial Commission on September 15, 1914. This code became Wisconsin Administrative Code chapters Ind 50-57 - Building Code on January 2, 1956. Various chapter numbers between 57 and 64 were added throughout the sixties and seventies. The code was renumbered chapters ILHR 50-64 - Building and Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning on January 1, 1984. The code was changed from ILHR to Comm several chapters at a time during 1997 and 1998. The renumbering to Comm 50-64 was completed on November 1, 1998. As of July 1, 2002, the Commercial Building Code, with its adoption of some national model codes, will be Comm 61-65. *Iroquois Theater Fire, Dec. 30, 1903: The fire in Chicago occurred less than a month after the opening of the new, supposedly fireproof, Iroquois Theater at 24-28 W. Randolph. It was standing room only for a holiday matinee of the musical "Mr. Blue Beard, Jr." Of the 1,900 people in the audience, mostly women and children, at least 600 perished. Among the 500 performers and backstage personnel, only the tightrope artist, caught high above the stage, died.
7. email technical 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 plumbings 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

8. Plan submittal during transition to new July 1 Wisconsin CBC
by Randy Baldwin, Bureau of Integrated Services Director, rbaldwin@commerce. state.wi.us, 608-267-9152
The Safety and Buildings Division expects a rush of building plans to be submitted just prior to the July 1, 2002 Commercial Building Code change. S&B also expects that initial new code submittals after July 1 will require more review and consultation time, and probably a higher percentage of re-submittal reviews. We anticipate a review backlog in July, thus we need submitters' help in prioritizing the review of projects to minimize the effects of the backlog. Please do not make an unnecessary appointment for post-July 1 projects just for the purpose of staying under the current code. If your plan is received prior to July 1 (scheduled or not), it will be reviewed under the current code. If your project is down the road some time, please don't use up a pre-July 1 scheduled plan review slot that someone else needs for a more pressing project. You may check plan review scheduling dates for each office via the S&B WebSite, www.commerce .state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivDailyDoc. When sending in plans without an appointment, indicate at the top of the form or on a cover letter your desired plan review date (based on estimated project start time minus a couple of weeks in case there is a hold). This will allow us to juggle the plan reviews to meet your needs. Use the proper forms. Esnage pecially near the end of June, it will be important to use the new July 1 application form if you are submitting for plan review under the new July 1 code. The July 1, 2002 new submittal kit forms are on the WebSite, www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-Form SubmittalKitContents. If you have a pre-scheduled plan review, be sure to include the transaction number you were given when making the appointment. Plans received without transaction numbers are typically set aside until the scheduled plans are processed and then scheduled to the next available reviewer. During these rushed times, it is even more important to pay special attention to detail. Fill out the forms correctly. Double check to be sure all needed calculations are included. Take one extra scan of your plan for completeness and compliance. Ship early to avoid mail delays. 9. Send an email if you wish to be notified when the latest Wisconsin Construction Codes Report is available on the S&B WebSite
The Safety and Buildings Division is setting up an email list to inform message recipients when the WCCR is on the S&B WebSite. People who wish to receive a monthly email notice, can send a request to Todd Taylor, S&B WebSite Manager, ttaylor@commerce.state.wi.us. Please include your name in the request as well as a typed email address. Free issues to "Frequent Submitters" will be discontinued
A request is especially important to a number of people who have been receiving the WCCR free due to their status as what S&B considered a "frequent submitter" of commercial building plan reviews. The June 2002 WCCR will be the last free edition sent to this group, about 500 people who had submitted more than five building plan review submittals in a year. Subscriptions for the WCCR may be ordered from S&B Material Orders, PO Box 2509, Madison, WI 53701. The cost is $20 for one year. Please be sure to include name and mailing address with your check., and identify what you are ordering. Some people who have received the WCCR free will need to either subscribe to receive a paper copy, or use the WebSite copy, www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications. Individuals or groups who will continue to receive the WCCR free via the mail:
PPeople who hold one or more of 29 credentials administered by S&B*.
PEach of the public fire departments in the state. *Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor / Journeyman Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter License / Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Apprentice / Automatic Fire Sprinkler Contractor - Maintenance / Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter-Maintenance / Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Tester / Boiler - Pressure Vessel Inspector / Commercial Building Inspector / Commercial Electrical Inspector / UDC - Construction Inspector / UDC - Electrical Inspector / UDC - HVAC Inspector / UDC-Plumbing Inspector / Soil Erosion Inspector / Elevator Inspector / POWTS Inspector / Rental Weatherization Inspector / POWTS Maintainer / Master Plumber / Master Plumber - Restricted Service / Master Plumber - Restricted Appliance / Journeyman Plumber / Journeyman Plumber - Restricted Service / Journeyman Plumber - Restricted Appliance / Plumbing Apprentice / Plumbing Learner-Restricted Appliance / Plumbing Learner-Restricted Service / Soil Tester / Cross Connection Control Device Tester

10. How to support cast iron pipe
The requirements for the support of cast iron plumbing pipe are based on what type of joint is being supported and the diameter of the pipe. The Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code, Comm 82.60, contains requirements for pipe hangers and supports. Table 82.60 states the requirement for horizontal hanger spacing for cast iron pipe is five feet. A footnote on the table allows the horizontal hanger spacing to be increased to 10 feet for 10-foot lengths of pipe. There are further requirements, in Comm 82.60(2) that contain more detailed requirements. (1) requires that piping must be supported "at intervals to support the piping and its contents, but not at intervals greater than those specified in Table 82.60." This rule may cause additional hangers to be installed if a pipe is sagging or if there are many fittings closely spaced. (b) of subsection (2) specifically addresses hubless pipe installed horizontally. (b) states that hubless pipe must be "supported within 24 inches on each side of a joint, unless the joint has an alignment retaining shield." What is an "alignment retaining shield?" S&B considers the mechanical coupling which complies with CISPI 310-97 to meet the definition of an alignment retaining shield. So, Wisconsin's plumbing code would allow hubless pipe to be supported at 10-foot intervals when hubless pipe is installed with mechanical couplings complying with CISPI 310-97. However, be aware that another code section, Comm 84.10(5), requires that all products shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's printed instructions. If you have questions on this topic, please contact Lynita Docken, S&B Plumbing Program Manager,608-785-9349, Ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us. (A more complete discussion of this subject is in the S&B "Library," www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-LibraryIndex.)
11. The plumbing products register will be updated monthly on the Internet, be printed less often
The Wisconsin Plumbing Product Register is a catalogue of plumbing products in seven cate-gories, products which must be individually approved by Safety and Buildings Division staff before they can be sold or installed for use in a plumbing system in Wisconsin: 1. Chemical or Biochemical treatments for POWTS; 2. Health care plumbing appliances; 3. Laboratory plumb-ing appliances; 4. Prefabricated holding or treat-ment components for POWTS; 5. Prefabricated plumbing; 6. Water treatment devices; 7. Pro-ducts not specifically addressed in the plumbing code. The WPPR is available on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-PubsPlumbingProductsRegister.html. Beginning in May, 2002, the WebSite will be updated monthly, rather than quarterly, to provide more timely information. The publication will now be printed and distributed three times per year: March, July, and November for subscription holders and for free to people having Plumbing or POWTS Inspector credentials with S&B. Previously, the WPPR was printed four times a year. A year's subscription can be purchased by sending $25 to: Safety and Building Material Orders Distribution, PO Box 2509, Madison, WI 53701. Please note what you are ordering and provide your name and address. The subscription will begin with the issue mailed after the subscription is entered in S&B's mailing database. In other words, subscriptions sent close to one of the mailing dates may not receive the immediately following issue.

12. Fire Safety Section moves to Commerce ERS Division, Commercial Building Inspection and Uniform Dwelling Code/Manufactured Dwelling sections merge
Effective May 5, 2002, there are several organizational changes for S&B: As of April 14, 2002, the Fire Safety Section of the Safety and Buildings Division moved to the Bureau of Petroleum Products and Tanks of the Environmental and Regulatory Services Division of the Department of Commerce. This includes 7.6 positions - a Section Chief, five Fire Safety Consultants, and two Program Assistants. The section provides services related to fire prevention and to the administration of the Two Percent Fire Dues Program. Section staff also provide assistance to fire chiefs in Wisconsin in support of fire prevention inspections. If you have questions about the Fire Safety Section, contact Berni Mattsson, Temporary Director, ERS Bureau of Petroleum Products and Tanks, 608-266-8076, bmattsson@commerce.state.wi.us. The Safety and Buildings Division continues to provide fire protection system plan review, continues to provide building inspection fire protection services, and still administers the Fire Department Health and Safety Program. The Commercial Building Inspection Section will be merged with the Uniform Dwelling/Manufactured Dwellings/Manufactured Homes/Parks Section. The new group program will be divided into east and west areas of the state. Each area will have a section chief and approximately 11 staff positions. The Commercial Building Inspectors will now also be providing consultation services for UDC and Manufactured Dwellings/Homes/Parks Programs. New district inspector maps will be on the S&B Website as soon as possible, www.commerce.state .wi.us/SB/SB-DivContacts. Also, the S&B Rental Weatherization Program will be part of the Inspection and Safety Support Section.
13. Safety and Buildings-related codes are on the Internet, www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-CodesListing2002.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.
14. To schedule an appointment (commercial/multifamily buildings or plumbing:
§ 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 15. For application forms:
§ On the S&B WebSite (choose "Forms" on left of screen): http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html
§ Call any of the offices listed on page 10. 16. Info about next available review appointment:
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DailyDoc.html 17. Credential Questions
If you have questions concerning the status of licenses, certifications, or registrations administered by the Safety and Buildings Division, you may contact the Credentialing Unit, 608-261-8500, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us. Information is also on the S&B WebSite, www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialProgram. 18. Questions about your continuing education credits?
Check the mailing address back page for a printed line giving your con ed. Or, contact the Credentialing Unit, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-261-8500. Or, check the S&B WebSite, "Credential Status Check." 19. Plan Review Scheduling
For plan review scheduling for Plumbing and Buildings, you can fax a scheduling request to S&B. Please fax completed first two pages of plan review submittal forms to (toll free) 877-840-9172. (Information about the project is needed to schedule the plan review.) You can request the review be scheduled in a specific office or you can schedule the first appropriate plan review available statewide. . Plan review for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact one of the offices for information. For info on what scheduling dates are available in each office, see www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivDaily Doc.

Wisconsin Construction Codes Report
The WCCR is a monthly publication of the Safety and Buildings Division, Wisconsin Department of Commerce. It is delivered to about 13,000 readers - people who hold S&B plumbing, POWTS, and fire sprinkler credentials, to local inspectors, and to fire departments. WCCR subscription order form, to be printed out and mailed back to S&B: PDF file, Word 97 file, HTML file. The Department of Commerce does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the provision of services or in employment. If you need this printed material interpreted or in a different form, or if you need assistance in using this service, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TTY 608-264-8777.