8 CCR 1507-11
SECTION 1 ; INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Colorado Fire Suppression System Program began on January I, 1991. It was created by Senate Bill 90-4, which was signed into law on May 18, 1990. The purpose of the Colorado Fire Suppression Program is to ensure that life safety systems, installed in commercial and residential occupancies, are installed and maintained properly, according to nationally recognized standards. §24-33.5-1204.5, C.R.S. establishes the authority to promulgate rules and regulations to administer the fire suppression program and to establish fees and charges necessary to defray the anticipated costs of the program. SECTION 2 ; DEFINITIONS The definitions provided in §24-33.5-1202, C.R.S., shall apply to these rules and regulations. The following additional definitions shall also apply:
2.1 CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION (OR REGISTRATION): - means the document issued to a contractor under these Rules and Regulations authorizing a contractor to conduct business in this state.
2.2 COMPANY: - means a corporation, partnership, firm or association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity.
2.3 INDIVIDUAL (OR PERSON): - means a natural person, including an owner, manager, officer, employee, or individual.
2.4 INSTALLATION :- means the initial placement of equipment or the extension, modification, or alteration of equipment after the initial placement.
2.5 LOCAL AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION :- means the fire chief, fire marshal or other designated official of a county, municipality, or special district that has fire suppression systems enforcement responsibilities and employs or otherwise provides a certified fire suppression systems inspector.
2.6 MAINTENANCE: - means to sustain in a condition of repair that will allow performance as originally designed or intended.
2.7 NICET: - means the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
2.8 NFPA: - means the National Fire Protection Association.
2.9 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER - Licensed as an engineer and working within competence, training and/or education.
2.10 sponsible Managing Employee (RME) - is an individual or person employed by a fire suppression contractor who is currently a professional engineer or certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) at a level III or level IV in fire protection engineering technologies, automatic sprinkler layout, or another nationally recognized organization approved by the Division of Fire Safety. A RME may only act as such for one fire suppression contractor at a time.
2.11 ERVICE (OR REPAIR): - means to repair in order to return the system to proper operational condition.
SECTION 3 ; REGISTRATION OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM CONTRACTORS
3.1 Registration Required
3.1.1 Any individual or company who physically works on or install any part of a fire protection system, including underground supply lines from public water lines to system risers and backflow preventors, must be registered.
3.1.2 Any company that employs individuals who physically work on or install any part of a fire protection system, including underground. supply lines from public water lines to system risers and backflow preventors, must be registered.
3.1.3 Exemptions:
3.1.4 The registration for individuals or companies who install underground supply lines from public water lines to system risers shall be known as “FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM CONTRACTOR - UNDERGROUND”.
3.1.5 Any individual or company registered as “FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM CONTRACTOR - UNDERGROUND” may not install any other component of a fire suppression system.
3.2 Application Requirements
In order to register, each contractor doing business in Colorado must understand, agree and attest to the following:
3.2.1 That the applicant is a principal of the company as defined in Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1202 (8), and recorded with the Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
3.2.2 That all information included on the application is correct.
3.2.3 That the contractor will notify the Division of Fire Safety of any changes that occur in the information provided, including, but not limited to: a change in principal agent of the contractor, or a change in address or telephone number.
3.2.4 That the contractor will comply with all applicable codes and standards adopted by the Administrator and all codes, ordinances and resolutions adopted by municipalities, counties and fire protection districts.
3.2.5 That the contractor will comply with Colorado Revised Statutes governing fire suppression systems, and all rules adopted by the Administrator.
3.2.6 That the contractor understands that the “Application for Registration” is an official document legally binding the contractor to the provisions of Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1202 through 1208, et seq. and all rules adopted by the Administrator.
3.3 Procedures for Registration
3.3.1 A fire suppression contractor can either pick up an “Application for Registration” or request that one be mailed to them. Registration applications are available from the Colorado Division of Fire Safety, 700 Kipling Street, Denver, CO 80215-5865, Telephone: (303) 239-4463.
3.3.2 The contractor must complete all parts of the application and sign it. The original application along with a check or money order in payment of the annual registration fee, must be returned to the Division of Fire Safety.
3.3.3 The registration is valid from the time of issue to December 31st of the current year, unless earlier revoked or suspended. It must be renewed annually, on or before January 31st of each year.
3.4 Qualifications for Registration: (Effective Date January 1, 2003)
3.4.1 In order to become registered as a Fire Suppression Contractor, the Contractor must employ a Responsible Managing Employee or must demonstrate to the administrator that they have met the following qualifications, including education, training and experience by submitting documentation to the Division of Fire Safety:
Exemption: A state licensed plumber working within competence, training and/or education that only install systems for one and two family dwellings in accordance with NF'PA 13D standards.
3.4.2 Acceptable equivalent qualifications are:
3.5 Posting of Registration
3.5.1 All fire suppression contractors are required to include their Colorado registration number on all plans and hydraulic calculations to identify that they are registered to do business in Colorado.
SECTION 4 ; FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION 4.1 Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-1206.4 requires that any installation, modification, alteration, or repair of a fire suppression system shall be approved by a certified fire suppression systems inspector. Each county, municipality, or special district that has fire suppression systems enforcement responsibilities shall, as needed, provide a certified fire suppression systems inspector.
4.2 In order to become certified as a fire suppression systems inspector, a person must meet at least one of the following conditions:
4.2.1 Satisfactorily complete a fire suppression systems inspector certification examination, administered by the Division of Fire Safety, by correctly answering at least 80 percent of the questions.
4.2.2 Posses current and valid inspector certification issued by a nationally recognized organization which includes fire protection system plan review and inspection knowledge, and demonstrate to the Administrator that they have successfully completed course work in fire suppression system plan review and inspection.
4.2.3 Demonstrate to the Administrator that they have met equivalent qualifications, including education, training and experience by submitting documentation to the Division.
4.2.4 Submit evidence of current and valid certification in another state which is determined by the Administrator to be at least equivalent to the requirements of the Colorado Fire Suppression Program.
4.3 In all cases, the application must be accompanied by a letter from the agency's chief executive attesting to:
4.3.1 The individual's qualifications (knowledge, skills and ability) to conduct fire suppression system plan reviews and inspections; and 4.3.2 The fact that the individual has the responsibility to conduct fire suppression system plans reviews and/or inspections.
4.4 Limitations on Certification/Permissible Activities
4.4.1 A certified fire suppression systems inspector cannot also be a registered contractor.
4.4.2 A certified fire suppression systems inspector cannot contract directly with a registered contractor for the provision of inspection services.
4.4.3 A certified inspector can contract directly with one or more municipalities, counties, fire protection districts or other local authority for the provision of inspection services.
4.5 Fire Suppression System Inspector Written Examination
4.5.1 The written examination shall consist of multiple choice questions derived from the Colorado fire suppression statutes and rules promulgated by the Administrator; as well as the codes and standards adopted by the Administrator.
4.5.2 Candidates must correctly answer eighty percent (80%) of the questions on the examination to become certified.
4.5.3 Candidates that do not achieve a passing score may retake the examination after thirty (30) days have elapsed, and upon re- application and payment of the application fee.
4.6 Fire Suppression System Inspector Certification is valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance, unless earlier suspended or revoked. Renewal shall require an application for renewal accompanied by the following:
4.6.1 A letter from the agency's chief executive attesting to the fact that the individual has maintained the knowledge, skills and ability to continue to conduct fire suppression system plan reviews and inspections, and the fact that the individual continues to have the responsibility to conduct fire suppression system plans reviews and/or inspections, AND 4.6.2 Certification renewal is contingent on meeting the following, educational requirements during the certification period:
4.6.3 Payment of the required renewal fee.
4.7 Municipalities, counties, fire protection districts and other local authorities employing certified fire suppression inspectors must maintain records of all plan reviews and inspections conducted by the inspector during the three year certification period. Said records shall be made available for review by the Administrator, upon request.
4.8 Inspectors must place their certification number on all completed inspection and plan registration forms.
SECTION 5 ; PLANS REQUIRED - INSPECTIONS 5.1 Every registered fire suppression system contractor must register all plans, along with product data sheets and hydraulic calculations prior to all installation, fabrication, modification, or alteration project of any fire suppression system in the State of Colorado. The plans and hydraulic calculations must bear the signature of a P.E. or NICET level III or above. The contractor must file the required documents for registration with the local authority if the jurisdiction has a certified fire suppression system inspector.
5.2 If the local jurisdiction does not have a certified inspector, the required documents for registration shall be filed with the Colorado Division of Fire Safety. When submitting to the Division, a minimum of three sets of plans and hydraulic calculations shall be provided. Once reviewed and acted on by the Division, one full set of plans must be sent to the local jurisdiction by the contractor.
5.3 To ensure that only qualified inspectors are conducting plan reviews and inspections and to prevent jeopardizing contractor registration, the contractor shall determine that the inspector is certified by: (a) requesting the inspector's certification number; and/or (b) contacting the Division of Fire Safety to confirm that the inspector holds current and valid certification.
5.4 Every registered fire suppression system contractor must complete and maintain inspection reports, in accordance with the applicable NFPA standard, for each repair, maintenance, and inspection performed on any fire suppression system in the State of Colorado.
5.4.1 Such inspection reports shall be maintained for a period of no less than three years. Copies of the inspection report must be submitted to the local authority having jurisdiction, unless the contractor is notified in writing by the local authority that they do not wish to receive such reports.
5.4.2 Records of inspection and inspection reports shall be made available for review by the Administrator.
5.5 Fire Suppression System Installations.
5.5.1 The above ground sprinkler piping must be inspected by a certified fire suppression systems inspector, and approved prior to occupancy.
5.5.2 A Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping must be completed with all above test results documented and copies provided to the owner and certified fire suppression system inspector by the contractor.
5.6 Small Projects
5.6.1 Small projects are defined as any work billed at an aggregate cost to the owner of less than $1,000.00; or involving the addition or relocation of less than 20 sprinkler heads. Completed work cannot have an adverse affect on the integrity of the existing fire protection system, including the hydraulic design.
5.6.2 A scale drawing of the proposed project on an 81/2 x 11 inch paper, including data sheets, calculations, and all information required by the applicable NFPA standard shall be permitted for submittal to the authority having jurisdiction. The certified fire suppression system inspector has the right to require additional information as may be necessary to fully evaluate the project.
5.6.3 A signed letter on the registered contractor's letterhead explaining the scope of work, start and completion dates, and a statement that tenant finish, remodel, or additions do not affect the hydraulic demand design or integrity of the existing fire protection system is also required for submittal to the authority having jurisdiction. The authority having jurisdiction may require hydraulic calculations.
5.6.4 If it is likely that the hydraulic design or integrity of the existing fire protection system has been affected by the scope of work, or if the owner, contractor, or authority having jurisdiction has concerns about the system integrity, a NICET Level III or above review shall be required.
5.7 Underground Piping used for Fire Protection Supply Lines
5.7.1 The underground supply line installed between the public water main and the fire protection system riser must be installed in accordance with NFPA Standard 24, Private Fire Service Mains and their appurtenances.
5.7.2 All underground supply lines shall be installed by registered underground contractors and shall be inspected by qualified inspectors. The hydrostatic and flush tests shall be witnessed and test papers signed by the general contractor and/or authority having jurisdiction. A copy of the “Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Underground Piping” must be completed and provided to the owner, certified fire suppression system inspector and the fir: sprinkler contractor by the contractor prior to connection to the sprinkler riser.
5.8 Additional Conditions
5.8.1 Flow tests on water supply systems must be less than one year old, unless approved by the certified fire suppression system inspector having jurisdiction.
5.8.2 When calculating water supply requirements for new installations, deduct ten (10) percent to a maximum of (10) psi from the static and residual pressure. Show the actual flow and reduction on hydraulic calculation sheets.
Exemption. 13D (One and two family dwellings) are exempt from
5.8.2 unless required by the local authority.
5.9 Exemptions. The following projects are exempted from plan submittal, inspection, and approval requirements:
5.9.1 Pre-engineered range hoods and duct extinguishing systems.
5.9.2 Any work described in this Section 5 that is conducted at any facility owned and operated by a mining company.
SECTION 6 ; CODES AND STANDARDS ADOPTED 6.1 All publications, standards or rules adopted and incorporated by reference in these rules are on file and available for public inspection during normal business hours by contacting the Colorado Division of Fire Safety, 700 Kipling Street, Denver, CO 80215-5865. All publications, standards or rules adopted and incorporated by reference in these rules may also be examined at any state publications depository library. This rule does not include later amendments to or editions of any materials incorporated by reference.
6.2 Questions, clarification, or interpretation of these rules should be addressed in writing to: Fire Suppression Program Administrator, Colorado Division of Fire Safety, 700 Kipling Street, Denver, CO 80215-5865.
6.3 The following codes and standards, including applicable addenda and appendices, are adopted by the Administrator for the Fire Suppression Program:
6.3.1 Uniform Building Code, 2000 edition.
This code is published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. Copies of the incorporated material can be purchased from the ICBO at the address shown above.
6.3.2 Uniform Fire Code, 2000 edition.
This code and standards are published by the International Fire Code Institute (IFCI), 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601 and the Western Fire Chiefs Association, 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. Copies of the incorporated material can be purchased directly from the IFCI at the address shown above.
6.3.3 International Building Code, 2000 edition.
This code is published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. Copies of the incorporated material can be purchased from the ICBO at the address shown above.
6.3.4 International Fire Code, 2000 edition.
This code is published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. Copies of the incorporated material can be purchased from the ICBO at the address shown above.
6.3.5 National Fire Protection Standards
NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code, 2000 edition NFPA 11 Standard for Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems, 1998 edition.
NFPA 11A Standard for Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems, 1999 edition.
NFPA 12 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 2000 edition.
NFPA 12A Standard for the Installation of Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 1997 edition.
NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, including all standards referenced in Chapter 10 and considered part of the requirements of this adoption. 1999 edition.
NFPA 13D Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes, 1999 edition.
NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to four stories in height, 1999 edition.
NFPA 14 Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2000 edition.
NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, 1996 edition.
NFPA 16 Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam- Water Spray Systems, 1999 edition.
NFPA 17 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 1998 edition.
NFPA 17A Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 1998 edition.
NFPA 20 Centrifugal Fire Pumps, 1999 edition.
NFPA 22 Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, 1998 edition.
NFPA 24 Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, 1995 edition.
NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water- Based Fire Protection Systems, 2002 edition.
NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, 1999 edition NFPA 23 ID Storage of Rubber Tires, 1998 edition.
NFPA 409 Aircraft Hangars, 1995 edition.
NFPA 423 Aircraft Engine Test Facilities, 1999 edition.
NFPA 705 Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 1997 edition.
NFPA 2001 Clean Air Extinguishing Systems, 2000 edition.
These standards are published by the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, Telephone: (800) 344-3555. Copies of the incorporated material can be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association at the address shown above.
6.4 In the case of any conflicting requirements between any code and standard adopted by the Administrator, the Administrator, in his sole discretion shall determine which provisions shall apply.
6.5 Municipalities, counties, fire protection districts and other units of local government having the authority to do so, may adopt codes, standards, ordinances and/or resolutions governing the design and installation of fire protection systems that may be different than those adopted by the Administrator.
6.5.1 Municipalities, counties, fire protection districts and other local authorities employing certified fire suppression inspectors may enforce locally adopted codes, standards ordinances and/or resolutions governing the design and installation of fire protection systems, to the extent permitted by the adopting ordinance or resolution.
6.5.2 Conflicts between the codes and standards adopted by the Administrator and those adopted by a local government shall be resolved in the following manner:
SECTION 7 ; COMPLAINTS This section concerns the receiving, investigating and acting upon complaints against any person who violates the provisions of Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. I 24-33.5-1206.5 through 1206.6 or any rule adopted by the Administrator.
7.1 Complaints alleging violation of any provision of C.R.S. 24-33.5-1206.5 through 1206.6 or any rule adopted by the Administrator shall be filed with the Colorado Division of Fire Safety, Fire Suppression Program Administrator.
7.1.1 The Division may act on anonymous complaints or those made by complainants who desire to remain anonymous. However, individuals submitting complaints should be aware that such complaints are public records and may be available to the public for inspection in accordance with the Colorado Public Records Act §24-72-201 C.R.S. et seq.
7.2 The Administrator will investigate or cause to be investigated the information contained in the complaint. If proper evidence can be found to substantiate that a violation of C.R.S. 24-33.5- 1206.5 through 1206.6 or current rules have occurred, the Administrator will proceed pursuant to C.R.S. 24-33.5-1205(l)(b)(III(c) and (e).
7.3.1 Should Division staff or the Administrator determine that it is necessary to conduct a hearing, the Division of Fire Safety will utilize the services of the Colorado Division of Administrative Hearings to conduct a hearing in accordance with the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act (C.R.S. 24-1-101 et seq.).
7.4 Penalties and fines for violating any provision of C.R.S. 24-33.5-1206.5 through 1206.6 or these rules.
7.4.1 In addition to any other civil or criminal penalties that may be prescribed by a court of competent jurisdiction, Division staff or the Administrator may assess a penalty and/or fine for any conduct determined, after investigation, to constitute a violation of these rules, that in the opinion of Division staff or the Administrator does not constitute an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare.
7.4.2 Such penalties and/or fines shall be in the form of admonition for the alleged violation.
7.4.3 The penalties and fines for violating any provision C.R.S. 24-33.5-1206.5 through 1206.6 or these rules, shall generally be as follows:
7.4.4 Nothing in Rule 7.4.2 above shall be construed to require the nature of subsequent violations be related to the nature of the first violatior 7.4.5 Nothing in Rule 7.4.2 above shall be construed to prevent the Administrator or Division staff from referring any violation of the statute or these rules to the Division of Administrative Hearings for the filing of charges.
7.4.6 Division staff is required, upon the issuance of a second letter of admonition, for whatever cause, to refer any subsequent violations to the Division of Administrative Hearings for the filing of charges.
7.4.7 Any violation which, in the decision of Division staff or the Administrator, constitutes an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare shall result in immediate suspension of the contractor's registration pending a hearing on revocation pursuant to C.R.S. 24-33.5- 1205(l)(b)(III)(c) and (e) and the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act (C.R.S. 24-1- 101 et seq.), and final agency action.
7.4.8 Any contractor who feels aggrieved by the decision, order or actions of Division staff or the Administrator may request a hearing in accordance with the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act (C.R.S. 24-l-101 et seq.).
7.4.9 Any contractor who feels aggrieved by the decision, order or actions of the Administrator following final agency action may seek judicial relief pursuant to the provisions of C.R.S. 24-4-106.
SECTION 8 ; FEES AND CHARGES ESTABLISHED 8.1 The Colorado Division of Fire Safety will charge the following fees for services:
8.1.1 Annual Registration of $55.00
8.1.2 Replacement of lost or $5.00
8.1.3 Plan Registration Form $10.00
8.1.4 Plans and Hydraulic $25.00
8.1.5 Job Site Inspections and $35.00
8.1.6 Certification or Renewal $15.00
8.1.7 Filing Fee for Federal $ 5.00
8.1.8 Compliance Inspection $50.00
8.2 The above fees and charges apply only for Colorado Division of Fire Safety services. Local jurisdictions having certified tire suppression system inspectors may establish their own permit fees, plan review and inspection fees, and other charges. SECTION 9 ; SEVERABILITY 9.1 If any provision of these rules and regulations or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid for any reason, the invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of these rules and regulations which can be given effect without the invalid provisions. To this end, all provisions of these rules and regulations are declared to be severable. SECTION 10 ; INQUIRIES 10.1 Questions, clarification, or interpretation of these rules should be addressed in writing to: Fire Suppression Program Administrator, Colorado Division of Fire Safety, 700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80215. Telephone number: (303) 239-4463.