179.00.04 Ark. Code R. § 002 - Rules for Sprinkler Systems
The following words and terms when used in these rules shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The rules and regulations shall have uniform force and effect throughout the State, Municipalities or counties and may require additional certificate of registration or licenses or may require certified firms to obtain permits or pay fees beyond the scope of these rules and regulations.
These rules and regulations do not apply to a person or organization that only sells or supplies products or materials to a certified firm, special agent fire suppression systems, a regular employee of a certified firm, inspection activities conducted as part of an insurance or engineering survey, inspection activities performed by a government official as part of code enforcement activities, routine observation of the condition of fire sprinkler equipment by the maintenance staff of the owner or tenant and nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the practice of engineering by licensed or certified professional engineers.
NFPA 1 |
Fire Prevention Code |
NFPA 11 |
Standard for Low-Expansion Foam |
NFPA 11A |
Standard for Medium and High Expansion Foam System |
NFPA 13 |
Installation of Sprinkler Systems |
NFPA 13D |
Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One or Two Family Dwellings & Mobile Homes |
NFPA 13R |
Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to Four Stories in Height |
NFPA 14 |
Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems |
NFPA 15 |
Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection |
NFPA 16 |
Installation of Deluge Foam Water Sprinkler Systems & Foam Water Spray Systems. |
NFPA 20 |
Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps |
NFPA 22 |
Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection |
NFPA 24 |
Installation of Private Fire Service Mains & Their Appurtenances |
NFPA 25 |
Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection Systems |
NFPA 30 |
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code |
NFPA 30A |
Automotive and Marine Service Station Code |
NFPA 101 |
Life Safety Code |
NFPA 214 |
Water Cooling Towers |
NFPA 230 |
Standard for the Protection of Storage |
NFPA 232 |
Protection of Records |
NFPA 232A |
Archives and Records Centers |
NFPA 409 |
Aircraft Hangers |
The Building owner or occupant shall not make changes in the occupancy, the use or process, or the materials used or stored in the building without evaluation of the fire system for their capability to protect the new occupancy, use or materials. The evaluation shall consider factors that include, but are not limited to, the following:
Where changes in the occupancy, hazard, water supply, storage, commodity, storage arrangement, building modification or other conditions that affect the installation criteria of the system are identified, the owner or occupant shall promptly take steps (such as contacting a qualified contractor, consultant or engineer) to evaluate the adequacy of the installed system in order to protect the building or hazard in question. Where the evaluation reveals a deficiency causing a threat to life or property, the owner shall make appropriate corrections. All requirements of the authority having jurisdiction shall be followed.
The owner shall maintain records. Records shall indicate the procedures performed (inspection, test or maintenance), the organization that performed the work, the results, the date and the inspector or RME license number. Original records shall be retained for the life of the system. Subsequent records shall be retained for a period of one year after the next inspection, test or maintenance required by the standard.
To avoid false alarms where a supervisory service is provided, the alarm receiving facility shall always be notified by the owner or designated representative before conducting any test or procedures that could result in the activation of an alarm or after such tests or procedures are concluded.
i. Certificate of Registration |
|
Initial Fee |
$ 700.00 |
Renewal Fee |
$ 700.00 |
Application Fee |
$ 100.00 |
Branch Office (if using different name) |
$ 28.00 |
ii. Responsible Managing Employee License |
|
Initial Fee (which includes 1st exam fee |
) $ 300.00 |
Renewal Fee |
$ 300.00 |
iii. Inspector License |
|
Initial Fee (which includes 1st exam fee |
) $ 150.00 |
Renewal Fee |
$ 150.00 |
iv. Other Fees |
|
Duplicate/Revised Certificate Or License |
$ 25.00 |
Other requested changes to Certificate or License |
$ 25.00 |
Licensing Packet (non-refundable) |
$ 28.00 |
Examination Fee |
$ 28.00 |
Expired 1-90 days |
1 renewal fee + ½ initial fee = Total fee due |
Expired 91-365 days |
1 renewal fee + 1 initial fee = Total fee due |
Expired 366 days - 2 years |
2 renewal fees + 1 initial fee = Total fee due |
(Example: 1-90 days late |
Company Renewal fee $700 + $350 =$1050 RME Renewal fee $300 + $150 =$450 Inspector Renewal fee $150 + $75 =$225 |
A licensed company may elect to utilize a distributor or manufacturer's representative to perform these services provided it is under the supervision of an Arkansas licensed fire sprinkler contractor. Documentation of proper training and/or a letter from a distributor or manufacturer's representative must be submitted to the Board (Reference to Exhibit D, Table B - Outline, this table links to web sites.)
Once the Fire Pump inspection, installation and testing is completed an AFSA for NFSA form shall be completed and furnished to:
and shall be retained by the agency who performed the work. (Reference Act 1073 of 2003 - "Stand Pipes".)
The Board in consultation with Board Counsel will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to make a prima facie case.
The Notice will be served on the respondent by U. S. Mail or by personal delivery at least twenty (20) days before the scheduled hearing. Notice shall be deemed sufficient if the Notice is mailed to the person at his or her address of record with the Board.
Hearings before the Board shall be presided over by the Chairman, although the Board may from time to time utilize hearing officers. Testimony before the Board shall be made under oath and shall be stenographically reported.
Respondents before the Board shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, shall be allowed to cross-examine witnesses and shall be allowed to present testimony, photographs and other exhibits which are determined to be admissible by the Chairman or Hearing Officer.
At the conclusion of the evidentiary portion of the hearing, the Board will conduct deliberations. At the close of the deliberations, the Board will make Findings of Fact, Conclusion of Law and Disciplinary Orders, if appropriate.
If the Board decides to utilize alternative proceedings, the respondent will be notified by mail that the Board has learned that he or she has engaged in actions which violate the licensing law and it is recommended that under all the circumstances appropriate sanction is a fine of one thousand ($1,000) dollars or less. The Notice will further inform the respondent that he has a right to reject the proposed fine and have a full evidentiary hearing.
The respondent will be provided with a document which requests that he admit or deny violation of the Licensing Law and to further accept or reject the proposed penalty. The respondent will indicate he understands he has the right to a full evidentiary hearing before the Board and that he elects not to exercise that right.
The Board shall notify, in writing, every licensee complained against, provided said complaint is determined to make out a prima facie case.
Any and every Notice, Order or other instrument herein required to be forwarded or sent to any person concerning a complaint or hearing shall be deemed sufficient if addressed to the person at his or her address as last furnished to the Board, in a sealed envelope and delivered by Certified Mail, postage prepaid.
Any and every person appearing before the Board at any of its hearings shall be first placed under oath. All testimony given or statements made to or before the Board shall be stenographically reported and made a part of the record in such case.
At any and all meetings of the Board at which a hearing is to be held on any complaint previously filed the same shall be set down for a day certain by the Board, at least ten (10) days prior to any such hearing date.
The Board shall, at least 20 days prior to any such hearing date, notify all persons entitled to notice thereof, by certified mail of the order of the Board setting such complaint for hearing. Said Notice shall contain the place and approximate time of said hearing, a brief and concise statement of the facts forming the basis of the complaint, the provisions of the law or the rules and regulations thought to be involved therein and shall be executed by the Board, dated and sealed with the official seal of the Board.
Any licensee complained against and to be heard or any complaining witness, may, by written petition signed and dated, invoke the aid of the Board in the procurement of any witness he or she may desire to be present and testify at any such hearing, such petition to be filed with the Board at least five (5) days prior to such hearing date. Any and all cost anticipated must be deposited with the Board at the time of any such request.
Each and every hearing of the Board after being duly called to order, shall begin with a statement by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman, as to the nature of the cause to be heard, an inquiry of the parties present as to whether each is prepared to proceed and thereafter the cause, shall proceed with the presentation of evidence for and on behalf of the complainant. At the conclusion of such evidence the person complained against may then proceed to introduce evidence in contradiction, after which rebuttal testimony may be offered. Either oral or written argument on the issues raised may be called for or dispensed with by the Chairman or discretion of the Board.
The Board shall file its written findings and conclusions as to all hearings, same to be signed by the Board. A copy of such Order shall be sent to the licensee involved by certified mail.
At any hearing both the licensee and complaining witness involved may be present in the hearing room during the entire proceedings and shall have the right to cross-examine any witness and to examine any document or evidence submitted.
The Board will receive into evidence all affidavits, depositions, certified copies of documents, Photostats of official records and exhibits therewith introduced, together with such other evidence as may be administered by law. The Board shall give to such evidence such weight as they shall determine just and proper.
Every pleading, motion or other document and every request to the Board must be filed with the Board in writing, signed, dated and in quadruplicate.
No attorney shall withdraw his appearance in any case before this Board except by leave of the Board after notice served by him or his client and counsel for the Board.
HYDRAULIC PLACARD
EXHIBIT "A"
INSERT
EXAMPLE OF PLACARD
ALL WORDING ON THE PLACARD REMAINS UNCHANGED
ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION LICENSING BOARD
EXHIBIT "B"
SERVICE TAG
SERVICE TAG SHALL BE GREEN IN COLAR
INSERT SAMPLE OF SERVICE TAG
ALL WORDING ON THE SERVICE TAG REMAINS UNCHANGED
ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION LICENSING BOARD
EXHIBIT "C"
RED TAG
(INSERT SAMPLE OF RED TAG)
ALL WORDING ON THE RED TAG REMAINS UNCHANGED
ARKANSAS FIRE PROTECTION LICENSING BOARD
EXHIBIT "D"
TABLE A
INSPECTOR PREREQUISITE
INSPECTOR PREREQUISITES: To become an inspector one of the experience modifiers listed below must be fulfilled, along with any requirements, such as testing as indicated in the rules and regulations.
* Receive an Inspector License issued by this State prior to January 1, 2003
* NICET Level III Certification for Automatic Fire Sprinkler Layout
* NICET Level II Certification for Automatic Fire Sprinkler Layout with 6 years of experience
* NICET Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems
* NFPA Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI) and 6 months experience
* B. S. Degree in an Abet Fire Protection Degree with 6 months of experience
* Apprenticeship Level III with 6 months of experience
* Apprenticeship Level II with 1 year of experience
* Apprenticeship Level I with 2 years of experience
* AFSA course on NFPA 25 with 1 year of experience
* NFSA 3-Day Inspection and Testing Technician NICET Level II Study Review Seminar and ITM for Water Based Fire Protection with 6 months experience
* Obtained the title and wages of "Foreman" by a certified firm for 3 years and passed tests over NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 administered by this Board
* Received Education and/or experience in a fire protection related field for 3 years along with 2 years experience and pass tests over NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 administered by this Board
* NICET Certified Inspector with 6 months experience
* OSU: Fire Sprinkler Inspector Training and Certification and Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Automatic Sprinkler System with 6 months of experience.
Time Requirements: Above are based on a 40 hour week average
EXPERIENCE means installation or apprenticeship whereby one has worked with individuals who are recognized by the State as Competent Installers or Inspectors of Fire Sprinkler works. RMEs are accountable for making sure the installers have adequate exposure to testing and other inspector related job functions before endorsing them to the Board.
TABLE B
FIRE PUMP PREREQUISITES
FIRE PUMP INSPECTOR PREREQUISITES: Examples of proper training for Fire Pump Servicing include:
* NICET Certification as listed above and training by a Fire Pump Manufacturer
* OSU: Industrial Fire Pumps
* AFSA: Fire Pump Acceptance Testing and NFPA 20
* NFSA: Fire Pumps for Fire Protection Course with 9 months of experience
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.