Onward and Upward

Iowa Acts Chapter 1094 Effective August 1, 2009 July 24, 2009

I’m concerned about the implementation of Iowa Acts Chapter 1094 – Regulation and Licensure of Fire Protection Installation and Maintenance.

This law is set to take effect on August 1, 2009.

I believe that this law’s implementation may adversely affect a business’ ability to attract and retain future technical employees. Specifically, while it may appear the law deals with water-based fire protection system installers, I believe it may adversely affect individuals involved with installing, testing, or maintaining any type of fire suppression system. My understanding is that this includes systems such as pre-engineered wet-agent fire suppression systems as well as clean agent fire extinguishing systems.

While I have several issues with the law as written, my main concern centers on the law’s mandatory requirements for new employees to:
• Be an apprentice sprinkler fitter
• Complete four years in a Dept. of Labor approved apprenticeship program
• Pass the Star fire sprinkler mastery exam or an equivalent exam or be NICET certified at level I

As of now a public hearing on the rules and regulations pertaining to this law is yet to be scheduled. I was given to understand that in order for the rules and regulations to be in effect by January 1, 2010 an August public hearing date would be necessary.

A draft of the proposed rules and regulations has not been issued yet. You may want to monitor the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s web site for updates on the public hearing date as well as release of the proposed rules and regulations.
I am a member of the Fire Extinguishing Contractor’s Advisory Board to the Iowa State Fire Marshal. The board is not empowered by this law to provide input to the Fire Marshal. However, I know that Fire Marshal Jim Kenkel is interested in feedback and input on proposed rules and regulations from all citizens especially at public hearings.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the Department of Public Safety Building at 217 East 7th Street in Des Moines.

I urge you to take time to review this information and get involved with this most important issue.