28 TAC §§34.506, 34.507, 34.510 - 34.512, 34.514 - 34.517, 34.521
The Texas Department of Insurance proposes amendments to §34.506
concerning definitions for fire extinguisher rules; §34.507 concerning
adopted standards; §34.510 concerning certificates of registration; §34.511
concerning fire extinguisher licenses; §34.512 concerning apprentice
permits; §34.514 concerning applications for certificates of registration
and fire extinguisher licenses; §34.515 concerning fees; §34.516
concerning examinations; §34.517 concerning installation and service
of fire extinguishers; and §34.521 concerning red tags used to indicate
that corrective action or replacement is necessary for portable fire extinguishers
or fixed systems. Article 5.43-1 §9 of the Insurance Code gives the commissioner
the authority to delegate the exercise of all or part of his functions, powers
and duties under this article to the Fire Extinguisher Advisory Council. The
members of the council assist in the review and formulation of rules adopted
under that section and periodically review the rules and recommend changes
in the rules to the commissioner. The amendments are necessary to clarify
the intent of the existing rules, add requirements to implement the latest
improved nationally recognized safety standards, revise requirements to accommodate
and facilitate the latest state-of-the-art industry practices and amend paperwork
licensing procedures which will permit the State Fire Marshal’s Office
(SFMO) to more equitably and efficiently regulate the activities of this industry
through the enforcement of these proposed rules, thereby providing an increased
level of safety to the public which utilizes and relies on these fire extinguisher
systems. The proposed amendments to §34.506 refine the definition of
"shop" and add a new definition for "direct supervision." The proposed amendment
to §34.507(1) requires the installation of a new K class type fire extinguisher
for new installations protecting cooking appliances that use combustible cooking
media, but permits extinguishers, installed prior to June 30, 2004, that met
the code at the time they were installed, to remain at the discretion of the
owner. The proposed amendments to §34.510(c) eliminate the requirement
for the SFMO to issue specific types of fire extinguisher certificates of
registration based on the type of licensee employed by the registered firm.
These proposed amendments add restricting language to limit the activity of
the registered firm to the activities permitted by the license held by their
employees and specify that the existing requirement for a separate Type C
registration to engage in specific DOT hydrostatic testing is still in effect.
The proposed amendments to §34.510(e) set forth what is necessary to
ensure that a registered firm’s shop is adequately equipped to service
and test all fire extinguishers or systems by delineating the currently required
minimum information and equipment a shop must maintain to actually provide
the service. The proposed amendments to §34.510(k) establish the timeframe
within which a firm must report the need for a revision to a certificate and
delete the requirement that the firm surrender the certificate requiring change.
The proposed amendments to §34.511(a) clarify the existing authorized
business activity permitted under a Type A license by adding language to differentiate
the activity permitted by the license for pre-engineered fixed systems and
other than pre-engineered fixed systems to be consistent with Article 5.43-1 §4(c)
of the Insurance Code. Additionally, the amendment to §34.511(a)(4) proposes
a new specialized license, Type K, for new applicants whose activities are
currently a part of a Type A license. In lieu of meeting all the requirements
for a Type A license, the specialized licensee may choose to limit the scope
of work to the servicing and certifying of portable fire extinguishers and
the installation, certifying and servicing of pre-engineered fixed fire extinguisher
systems exclusively for institutional cooking areas, since this is the overwhelming
quantity of work in these industries. The proposed amendments to §34.511(f)
eliminate redundancy created by the proposed amendments in §34.510(c)
and amend the qualifications to obtain a Type A and a newly proposed Type
K license. The proposed amendments to §34.512 eliminate the mandatory
requirement for a licensee to submit their old license that requires a revision,
prior to the issuance of a new revised license and add new subsection (e)
which define the work an apprentice permittee may perform when under direct
supervision of a licensee. The proposed amendments to §34.514(b)(2) ensure
that an applicant for a Type A license meets the proposed requirements of §34.511(f)
and is competent to install and service fixed systems. The proposed amendments
to §34.514(b)(4) require the applicant to indicate on their application
if they are an employee or an agent of a registered firm and to ensure in
writing that if the applicant is an agent, that they are covered by the same
insurance policy required by §34.514(a)(7). The proposed amendment to §34.515(c)(3)
adds the fee requirements for the newly proposed Type K license. The proposed
amendments to §34.516 add the test requirements for the proposed Type
K license. The proposed amendments of §34.517 correct the title of §34.507
and add new subsections (g)- (j). Proposed subsection (g) clarifies that installation
or servicing of a fixed fire extinguisher system that includes the installation
and servicing of an alarm or detection system and/or a fire sprinkler system
requires the appropriate licensing for that type system. Proposed subsection
(h) requires the fusible metal alloy type fixed temperature-sensing elements,
replaced during servicing of an institutional cooking area, bear the manufacturer’s
date stamp; the date stamp must be within one year of the date of the replacement.
Proposed subsection (i) requires the year in which a disposable actuation
cartridge is replaced. Proposed subsection (j) specifies that when a tamper
indicator on a portable fire extinguisher is attached, the flag of the seal
shall bear the year it was attached.
The proposed amendments to §34.521 specify the minimum time frame
to ensure that the owner and local authority having jurisdiction receive timely
notification of impairments that render a portable extinguisher or fixed system
unsafe or inoperable. It is the department’s expectation that affected
individuals will be in compliance with the proposed amendments no later than
January 1, 2005. The extended period of time between the effective date and
the applicable date will provide a reasonable amount of time for registered
firms to ensure that a responsible managing employee is available to directly
supervise installation and servicing of portable fire extinguishers or fixed
fire extinguisher systems and for individuals to comply with new requirements
for their license/permit or to acquire the new Type K class fire extinguisher
license.
Patricia Gilbert, Acting State Fire Marshal, has determined that for each
year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, there
will be no fiscal impact to state government. There will be no fiscal implications
for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the new standards,
and no effect on the local economy or local employment.
Ms. Gilbert also has determined that for each year of the first five years
the proposed sections are in effect, the anticipated public benefit from enforcing
and administering these sections is improved continuity of effective and efficient
regulation of fire extinguishing systems. There will also be more efficient
use of the registered firm’s resources as each firm will be required
to hold only one general certificate of registration and will not be required
to apply for a new different type of certificate if the services rendered
by the firm change. For example, a firm that only services portable extinguishers
decides to expand its business and include in its services the planning, certifying,
leasing and renting of fixed extinguisher systems; the firm will need only
to hire employees that hold that type license. The type of extinguisher service
a registered firm renders will be dependent upon its employed licensees rather
than the certificate the firm holds. The initial fee for the proposed K license
is $70 and the 2-year renewal fee for this license is $100. The cost to a
fire extinguisher firm or person in the fire extinguisher industry qualifying
as a small business under the Government Code §2006.001 will be the same
as the cost to the largest business because the cost is not dependent upon
the size of the business but rather is the same cost licensees incur when
qualifying for their license. It is neither legal nor feasible to waive the
proposed amendments for small or micro businesses because requirements for
installation and service of extinguisher system must be applied consistently
to large, small and micro businesses.
To be considered, written comments on the proposal must be submitted no
later than 5 p.m. on August 16, 2004 to Gene C. Jarmon, General Counsel and
Chief Clerk, Mail Code 113-2A, Texas Department of Insurance, P. Box 149104,
Austin, Texas 78714-9104. An additional copy of the comments must be simultaneously
submitted to Patricia Gilbert, Acting State Fire Marshal, Mail Code 112-FM,
Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104.
Requests for a public hearing should be submitted separately to the Office
of the Chief Clerk.
The amendments are proposed pursuant to the Insurance Code Article
5.43-1 and §36.001. Section 2 of Article 5.43-1 provides that the Commissioner
of Insurance may adopt rules necessary for the administration of this article.
Section 8 provides that the commissioner shall formulate and administer rules
determined to be essentially necessary for the protection and preservation
of life and property, specifically applicable to installing and servicing
fire extinguisher systems. Section 36.001 provides that the Commissioner of
Insurance may adopt any rules necessary and appropriate to implement the powers
and duties of the Texas Department of Insurance under the Insurance Code and
other laws of this state.
The following statute is affected by the proposed sections: Insurance Code
Article 5.43-1.
§34.506.Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall
have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) - (16)
(No change.)
(17)
Shop--A facility
, whether at a specific location
or in a mobile unit,
of a registered firm where servicing, repairing,
or hydrostatic testing is performed and where parts and equipment
, which
are required by this subchapter or in the adopted standards,
are maintained.
(18)
(No change.)
(19)
Direct supervision--The oversight
by a licensee of the services performed by another licensee or permittee.
The licensee, performing the direct supervision at the shop, must be present,
at all times, on the premises where the supervised licensee or permittee is
performing the service. When not at the shop the individual being supervised
must be within sight of the licensee performing the direct supervision when
installing or servicing portable fire extinguishers or fixed fire extinguisher
systems.
§34.507.Adopted Standards.
The commissioner adopts by reference in their entirety, except as noted,
the following copyrighted standards and recommendations as adopted in this
subchapter. If a standard refers to a provision in a specific edition of another
standard, the provision is applicable only if it does not conflict with the
adopted standard shown in this section. The standards are published by and
available from the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., (NFPA), Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269.
(1)
NFPA 10-1998, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers,
except that
the exception to
paragraph 2-3.2 shall be deleted and
the following wording substituted:
"Exception: Extinguishers installed
specifically for these hazards prior to June 30, 2004."
[
"Fire
extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking appliances that use combustible
cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) shall either be listed and
labeled for Class K fires or comply with the requirements of NFPA 10-1994."
]
(2) - (13)
(No change.)
§34.510.Certificates of Registration.
(a) - (b)
(No change.)
(c)
Types of certificates.
The business activity authorized
by the certificate is limited to the business activity(ies) authorized under
the license of its employees. A separate Type C registration is required to
engage in the business of hydrostatic testing of DOT specification fire extinguisher
cylinders.
[
Each certificate must be identified by type, which
will indicate the business activity authorized under the certificate.
]
[
(1)
Type PL--For the planning,
certifying, installing, leasing, renting, selling, and servicing of fixed
fire extinguisher systems and the certifying, leasing, renting, selling, or
servicing of portable fire extinguishers.]
[
(2)
Type A--For portable fire
extinguisher and fixed fire extinguisher system business, excluding system
planning as defined in §34.506 of this title (relating to Definitions).]
[
(3)
Type B--For the portable fire
extinguisher business only.]
[
(4)
Type C--For hydrostatic testing
of DOT Specification fire extinguisher cylinders.]
(d)
(No change.)
(e)
Shop. A registered firm must establish and maintain a shop
whether at a specific location or in a mobile unit designed so that servicing,
repairing, or hydrostatic testing can be performed. The shop must be adequately
equipped to service or test all fire extinguishers or systems the registered
firm installs and services.
At a minimum a firm shall maintain the following:
(1)
a copy of the most recently
adopted edition of NFPA 10;
(2)
a copy of the most recently
adopted Texas Insurance Code Article 5.43-1 and §§34.501- 34.523
of this chapter (relating to Fire Extinguishers Rules);
(3)
a list of manufacturers and/or
types of portable extinguishers serviced with their respective manuals and/or
part lists;
(4)
portable weight scale to accurately
measure extinguisher gross weights;
(5)
seals or tamper indicators;
(6)
temporary fire extinguishers
replacements;
(7)
if performing annual maintenance
on carbon dioxide extinguishers, at a minimum, the following additional items
are required:
(A)
conductivity tester, and
(B)
conductivity test label.
(8)
if performing internal maintenance
for portable extinguishers, a written notice shall be kept on file indicating
the registered firm performing the maintenance or, at a minimum, the following
additional items are required:
(A)
appropriate tools to remove and reinstall a
valve head;
(B)
charging adapters;
(C)
Teflon tape, silicone grease, solvent or other
lubricant used;
(D)
supply of spare parts for respective manufacturers
and type of fire extinguishers serviced;
(E)
appropriate recharge agents;
(F)
agent fill funnels;
(G)
light designed to be used for internal inspections;
(H)
dry chemical closed recovery system or sufficient
new dry chemical;
(I)
leak test equipment;
(J)
dry nitrogen cylinders, regulator and calibrated
gauges for pressurizing cylinders;
(K)
verification collar rings; and
(L)
six year maintenance labels.
(9)
if performing hydrostatic testing
for portable extinguishers, a written notice shall be kept on file indicating
the registered firm performing the test or, at a minimum, the following additional
items are required:
(A)
working hydrostatic test pump, with flexible
connection, check valves and fittings;
(B)
protective cage or barrier;
(C)
calibrated gauges;
(D)
drying equipment;
(E)
hydrostatic test log; and
(F)
hydrostatic test labels.
(10)
if performing maintenance
for DOT specification portable fire extinguishers, a written notice shall
be kept on file indicating the registered firm which would perform the hydrostatic
test when required or, at a minimum, the following additional items are required:
(A)
a current Type C registration issued through
the State Fire Marshal’s Office; and
(B)
verification of registration through the US
DOT.
(11)
if installing or servicing
a fixed fire extinguisher system, at a minimum, the following additional items
are required:
(A)
copy of the latest adopted edition of applicable
NFPA standards with respect to the type of system installed or serviced;
(B)
applicable manufacturer’s service manuals
for the type of system; and
(C)
any special tools or parts as required by the
manufacturer’s manual.
(f) - (j)
(No change.)
(k)
Revised certificates. The change of a firm's name, location,
or mailing address requires a revised certificate.
Within 14 days after
the change requiring the revision, the registered firm must submit written
notification of the necessary change accompanied by the required fee to the
State Fire Marshal’s Office.
[
Certificates requiring changes
must be surrendered to the state fire marshal within 14 days after the change
requiring the revision. The certificate holder must submit written notification
of the necessary change with the surrendered certificate, accompanied by the
required fee.
]
(l)
(No change.)
§34.511.Fire Extinguisher Licenses.
(a)
Types of licenses. Each license must be identified by type,
which indicates the business activity authorized under the license.
(1)
Type PL--For the planning, supervising, certifying, installing,
or servicing of fixed systems other than pre-engineered systems. A system
planning licensee may also perform, supervise, or certify the installation
or servicing of pre-engineered fixed systems and portable fire extinguishers.
(2)
Type A--For
certifying or servicing the installation
of fixed fire extinguisher systems other than pre-engineered systems or for
installing, certifying, or servicing of
pre-engineered
fixed
fire extinguisher systems and the certifying and servicing of portable extinguishers.
(3)
Type B--For the servicing, certifying, and low-pressure
hydrostatic testing of portables.
(4)
Type K- For installing, certifying,
or servicing of pre-engineered fixed fire extinguisher systems for the protection
of cooking areas and the certifying and servicing of portable extinguishers.
(b) - (e)
(No change.)
(f)
Restrictions.
(1)
(No change.)
[
(2)
A Type A, B, or PL licensee
shall not plan, install, or service fixed systems while employed by a firm
holding only a Type B certificate.]
[
(3)
A Type B licensee shall not
plan, install, or service fixed systems even though employed by a firm holding
a Type A certificate.]
(2)
[
(4)
] A license is neither temporarily
nor permanently transferable from one person to another.
(3)
[
(5)
] A registered firm must notify
the state fire marshal within 14 days after termination of employment of a
licensee.
(4)
A Type A or Type K license
shall not be issued to an individual unless the individual has held an apprentice
permit or a Type B license for at least six months or has held a license to
service fixed extinguisher systems for at least six months from another state.
§34.512.Apprentice Permit.
(a) - (b)
(No change.)
(c)
Revised permits. The change of a permittee's employer,
home address, or mailing address requires a revised permit.
Within 14
days after the change requiring the revision, the permit holder or registered
firm must submit written notification to the State Fire Marshal’s Office
of the necessary change accompanied by the required fee.
[
Permits
requiring changes must be surrendered to the state fire marshal within 14
days after the change requiring the revision. The permit holder and his employer
must submit written notification of the necessary change, with the surrendered
permit, accompanied by the required fee.
]
(d)
(No change.)
(e)
Apprentice. An individual holding
a current apprentice permit may, under the direct supervision of the licensee,
assist in all respective services of the licensee; however, the licensee must
sign all documents requiring the licensee’s signature.
§34.514.Applications.
(a)
Certificates of registration.
(1) - (6)
(No change.)
(7)
The applicant must comply with the following requirements
concerning liability insurance.
(A) - (B)
(No change.)
(C)
Evidence of public liability insurance, as required by
the Insurance Code, Article 5.43-1, §4A, must be in the form of a certificate
of insurance executed by an insurer authorized to do business in this state
[
or, until September 1, 1989, a certificate of insurance for surplus
lines coverage in compliance with the Insurance Code, Article 1.14-2, as provided
for under the Insurance Code, Article 5.43-1, §4A(c)
].
(D) - (F)
(No change.)
(b)
Fire extinguisher licenses.
(1)
(No change.)
(2)
Applications for Type A licenses must be accompanied by
a written statement from the certificate holder (employer) certifying
that the applicant meets the minimum requirements of §34.511(f)(4) of
this subchapter (relating to Fire Extinguisher Licenses) and is competent
[
the applicant's competency
] to install or service fixed
systems [
which the certificate holder is currently qualified to install
or service
].
(3)
(No change.)
(4)
All applications must indicate
if the individual is an employee or agent of the registered firm.
(A)
If the individual is an employee of the registered
firm, the State Fire Marshal’s Office may request from the registered
firm a copy of the individual’s past pay receipts and federal withholding
forms to verify the condition of employment.
(B)
If the individual is an agent of the fire extinguisher
firm, the firm must provide a letter or other document acceptable to the State
Fire Marshal’s Office issued by the firm’s insurance company,
verifying the policy number and that the acts of the individual are covered
by the same insurance policy required by this subchapter to obtain the firm’s
registration. The verifying document must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal’s
Office before a license will be issued or when there is a change in the licensee’s
registered firm. Renewal of a license does not require insurance verification
unless there has been a change in the insurance carrier.
(c) - (g)
(No change.)
§34.515.Fees.
(a) - (b)
(No change.)
(c)
Fees are as follows.
(1) - (2)
(No change.)
(3)
Fire extinguisher license (Type A
,
[
and
] B
and K
):
(A) - (D)
(No change.)
(4) - (8)
(No change.)
(d) - (e)
(No change.)
§34.516.Tests.
(a)
Applicants for licenses are required to take a test and
obtain at least a grade of 70% on the test. Tests may be supplemented by practical
tests or demonstrations deemed necessary to determine the applicant's knowledge
and ability. The test content, frequency, location and outsource testing service
shall be designated by the state fire marshal.
(1)
(No change.)
(2)
The Type A license test will include
questions on the
following:
[
the topics described in paragraph (1)(A) and (B) of
this subsection and fixed systems.
]
(A)
this subchapter and the Insurance
Code Article 5.43-1;
(B)
installing and servicing of
portables;
(C)
fixed systems; and
(D)
installing and servicing pre-engineered
fixed fire extinguisher systems for the protection of cooking areas.
(3)
The Type K license test will
include questions on the following:
(A)
this subchapter and the Insurance Code Article
5.43-1;
(B)
installing and servicing of portables; and
(C)
installing and servicing pre-engineered fixed
fire extinguisher systems for the protection of cooking areas.
(4)
[
(3)
] The Type PL license test will
include
questions on the following:
[
the topics described in
paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection and a technically qualifying test to be
conducted through NICET.
]
(A)
this subchapter and the Insurance
Code Article 5.43-1; and
(B)
a technically qualifying test
to be conducted through NICET.
(b) - (f)
(No change.)
§34.517.Installation and Service.
(a)
The following requirements are applicable to all portable
extinguishers.
(1) - (3)
(No change.)
(4)
A licensee who services portable fire extinguishers in
accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection, shall comply with the following:
(A)
(No change.)
(B)
All missing markings, code symbols, instructions and information,
required by the applicable performance standard and fire test standard specified
in §34.507(1) of this subchapter (relating to
Adopted Standards
[
adopted standards and recommendations
]), except for the
approving or listing mark of the testing laboratory, shall be affixed to each
extinguisher in the form of a label designated in the standard.
(b) - (f)
(No change.)
(g)
If the installation or servicing
of a fixed fire extinguishing service includes the installation or servicing
of any part of a fire alarm or detection system and/or a fire sprinkler system
other than inspection and testing of detection or supervisory devices, the
licensing requirements of the appropriate Insurance Code Article 5.43-2 or
5.43-3, must be satisfied.
(h)
The fixed temperature-sensing
elements of the fusible metal alloy type, replaced while servicing a kitchen
hood fire extinguishing system, must bear the manufacturer’s date stamp
which must be within one year of the date of the replacement.
(i)
The disposable actuation cartridge,
replaced while servicing a kitchen hood fire extinguisher system, must bear
the date of replacement.
(j)
After operating the pull pin
or locking device during maintenance of a portable fire extinguisher, the
flag of the new seal or tamper indicator shall bear the year it was attached.
§34.521.Red Tags.
(a)
If impairments are found which make a portable extinguisher
or fixed system unsafe or inoperable, the owner or his representative must
be notified in writing of all impairments. The registered firm
shall
notify the owner or his representative immediately and
must also
notify
[
send a copy of this notice to
] the local authority
having jurisdiction
(AHJ) when available
within
24 hours by
phone, fax, or e-mail describing the impairments
[
30 days
].
A copy of the written notice to the owner shall be submitted to the AHJ within
3 days.
A completed red tag must be attached to indicate that corrective
action or replacement is necessary. The signature of the licensee on the tag
certifies that the impairments listed indicate that the equipment is unsafe
or inoperable. A service tag must not be attached until the impairments have
been corrected or the portable extinguisher or fixed system replaced and the
extinguisher or fire extinguisher system reinspected and found to be in good
operating condition.
(b) - (e)
(No change.)
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on July 2, 2004.
TRD-200404356
Gene C. Jarmon
General Counsel and Chief Clerk
Texas Department of Insurance
Earliest possible date of adoption: August 15, 2004
For further information, please call: (512) 463-6327