Date: November 30, 2009

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems - "L" License

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In the past the State Fire Marshal has required that only licensed contractors perform testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems. Through the public comment process, interested parties and ASCIP were able to affect regulatory change to this requirement.

On November 6, 2009 the State Fire Marshal amended Title 19, Sections 901, 905, 905.2 and 906.3 related to the licensing and certification of automatic fire extinguishing systems. These new regulations become effective on December 6, 2009 and eliminate the requirement for a C16 licensed contractor to perform annual testing and maintenance of sprinklered facilities owned or leased by public agencies. A C16 licensed contractor is still required to perform 5-year certifications.

This amendment establishes a new class of license - Type "L". The "L" license is available to public entities and allows properly trained and licensed employees (license holders) to perform testing and maintenance on an annual basis of automatic fire extinguishing systems that the public entity owns or leases.

To obtain an "L" license, the public agency license holder must submit a written application to the State Fire Marshal on the forms provided by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Individuals who perform weekly fire pump tests will also be required to pass a written examination. The State Fire Marshal also established a nominal fee schedule for the "L" license.

While the "L" license allows properly trained and licensed employees of public entities to conduct testing and maintenance on its automatic fire extinguishing systems on an annual basis, the "L" license does not change the requirements for 5-year certifications of those same systems. Schools and colleges will still need to obtain 5-year certifications from a licensed C16 contractor.

Members are encouraged to investigate whether the "L" license may be of benefit to their operations.

ASCIP Staff is available to answer any questions concerning this risk alert as they may arise.