Those who inspect or test automatic fire sprinkler systems will need state certification to do so under a bill that passed the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice committee Tuesday.
HB47 would apply only to inspectors of systems in public or commercial properties, said bill sponsor Rep. Joseph G. Murray, R-Weber.
Certification would be issued through the office of the state fire marshal, with classes likely taught by the state fire academy at Utah Valley State College.
The bill is pertinent because in 2002 the state fire board adopted the International Fire Code, which requires all systems to be tested annually, Fire Marshal Gary Wise said. Currently most systems are licensed when installed but rarely, if ever, test by a skilled technicians, he added.
Certification classes would cost $30 with a $20 fee testing fee imposed. Courses would be open to anyone and certifications renewed every four years, Murray said.
The bill was passed favorably by the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice committee Tuesday by a vote of 8-2, with no votes from representatives LaVar Christensen, R-Salt Lake, and Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan. A similar proposal was part of a bill proposed last year that died on the house floor.